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November 3, 2001 — At 4 p.m. EST, the center of Hurricane Michelle was located near latitude 19.6 north, longitude 84.1 west. This position is about 255 miles south-southwest of Havana and about 145 miles south-southwest of the Isle of Youth, Cuba, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Michelle taken Nov. 3, 2001 at 10:45 a.m. EST. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Michelle is drifting toward the north near 3 mph. The motion is expected to continue toward the north or north-northeast with an increase in forward speed to 5 to 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 135 mph with higher gusts making Michelle a category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. Little change in strength 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 145 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 933 mb, 27.55 inches.

Outer rain bands are located over portions of Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Yucatan Peninsula. Rainfall accumulations of 10-20 inches can be expected near the path of Michelle.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for western Cuba for the provinces from Pinar del Rio eastward to Ciego de Avila including the Isle of youth. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch remain in effect for the Florida Keys from Ocean Reef westward to the Dry Tortugas, including Florida Bay. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the island of Grand Cayman.

All interests elsewhere in the Florida Keys and south Florida and the Bahama Islands should continue to closely monitor the progress of Michelle. Watches and warnings may be upgraded and extended northward later Saturday night.

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 4 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 10 p.m. EST; 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