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November 2, 2001 — At 4 p.m. EST, the center of Hurricane Michelle was located near latitude 18.2 north, longitude 84.1 west or about 255 miles south-southeast of the western tip of Cuba. Michelle is moving toward the north near 3 mph. A slow northward motion is expected to continue for 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 11:38 a.m. EST. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 mph with higher gusts, but reports from aircraft reconnaissance indicate that Michelle is starting to strengthen again. Michelle is expected to become a major hurricane during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles. The minimum central pressure reported by reconnaissance aircraft is 967 mb, 28.56 inches. Rainfall accumulations of 10-20 inches with isolated higher amounts can be expected near the path of Michelle.

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. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the island of Grand Cayman. 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