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November 2, 2001 — At 10 a.m. EST, the center of Hurricane Michelle was located near latitude 17.9 north, longitude 83.9 west or about 280 miles south-southeast of the western tip of Cuba. Michelle is moving erratically toward the north near 3 mph. A continued slow motion to the north is expected over the next 24 hours, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Michelle taken Nov. 2, 2001 at 8:15 a.m. EST. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is likely over the next 24 hours, and Michelle could become a major hurricane during the next day or two.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 978 mb, 28.88 inches.

Locally heavy rainfall from outer bands continues over the Cayman Islands and Cuba. An additional 3 to 6 inches of rainfall may occur across portions of central and Eastern Cuba Friday night where extensive flooding has already occurred.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the following provinces in western Cuba, Pinar del Rio, La Habana, Havana City, Matanzas and the Isle of Youth. All interests in south Florida and the Florida Keys should closely monitor the progress of Michelle.

For storm information for specific areas of the USA, please monitor products issued by National Weather Service local forecast offices. In addition, see NOAA's Southeast River Forecast Center for the latest river conditions.

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's Southeast River Forecast Center

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