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September 13, 2001 — Surface observations and NOAA satellite images indicate that tropical depression eight has strengthened and is now a tropical storm, the seventh named storm of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle was located near latitude 25.2 north, longitude 85.2 west or about 225 miles west-southwest of Naples, Florida. Interests in Florida and the eastern Gulf of Mexico should closely monitor the progress of this system, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click on NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Gabrielle taken Sept. 13, 2001 at 7:15 a.m. EDT. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Gabrielle has been meandering, and the motion is expected to be slow and erratic Thursday and Thursday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 145 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb, 29.65 inches.

Locally heavy rainfall amounts are likely over portions of the Florida peninsula during the next few days. For storm information for specific areas of the USA, please monitor products issued by NOAA's National Weather Service local forecast offices.

HURRICANE FELIX GETS STRONGER

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Felix was located near latitude 26.4 north, longitude 48.4 west or about 1,410 miles southwest of Lajes in the Azores. Felix is moving toward the north near 13 mph. A gradual turn to the northeast is expected during the next 12 to 24 hours.

NOAA satellite estimates indicate that the maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts, making it a category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 970 mb, 28.64 inches.

HURRICANE ERIN MOVING NORTHEASTWARD

At 11 a.m. EDT, the center of Hurricane Erin was located near latitude 39.1 north, longitude 60.4 west or about 630 miles south-southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Erin is moving toward the northeast near 7 mph, and this track is expected to continue with an increase in forward speed over the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 200 miles.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 982 mb, 29.00 inches.

Large swells associated with Erin will continue to affect portions of the U.S. East Coast, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces Thursday. Consult statements issued by NOAA's national Weather Service and Canadian weather forecast offices for further details.

Storm Advisories updated 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. EDT; every three hours if a Watch/Warning is in effect.

NOAA satellite images updated 15 minutes past the hour; Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico and close-ups also updated at 45 past the hour.

Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.

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

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA's Hurricanes Page

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

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