Sept. 12, 2003 — The NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla., reports that at 11 p.m. EDT the center of Hurricane Isabel was located near latitude 21.8 north, longitude 59.5 west or about 320 miles north-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Isabel is moving toward the west near 9 mph. A west to west-northwest motion is expected over the next 24 hours. (Click NOAA close-up satellite image for larger view of the eye of Hurricane Isabel taken on Sept. 12, 2003, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 160 mph with higher gusts. NOAA satellite images indicate that Isabel may be weakening a little. Another reconnaissance aircraft will be in the hurricane in a few hours. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of very dangerous Hurricane Isabel along with a weather system in the middle of the United States moving east, as well as the remnants of what was Tropical Storm Henri still lingering in the Eastern seaboard, taken on Sept. 12, 2003, at 2:45 p.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of very dangerous Hurricane Isabel and its proximity to the northern Leeward Islands taken on Sept. 12, 2003, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Estimated minimum central pressure is 923 mb, 27.26 inches.

(Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of very dangerous Hurricane Isabel and its proximity to the USA coastline taken on Sept. 12, 2003, at 1:15 p.m. EDT. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Large ocean swells and dangerous surf conditions are likely over portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the next several days. (Click NOAA tracking map of Hurricane Isabel for larger view.)

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

NOAA Forecasters Say Six to Nine Hurricanes Could Threaten in 2003

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA River Forecast Centers

NOAA Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

NOAA Buoys

NOAA Tides Online

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA Hurricanes Page

NOAA Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

Media Contact:
Frank Lepore, NOAA Hurricane Center, (305) 229-4404