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November 5, 2001 — At 10 a.m. EST, the center of Hurricane Michelle was located near latitude 24.8 north, longitude 77.2 west or about 20 miles southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas. Michelle is moving toward the northeast near 18 mph, and this motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Hurricane Michelle taken Nov. 5, 2001 at 10:15 a.m. EST. Click here to see latest satellite image.)

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 145 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 230 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 973 mb, 28.73 inches.

Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts are likely in the Bahamas along the path of Michelle. A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet above normal, along with battering waves, is expected to affect the Atlantic coast of Florida in the warning area Monday.

Storm surge flooding of 3 to 6 feet above normal tide levels, along with large battering waves, is likely over the Bahamas Islands near and to the south of the center.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for southeastern Florida from Jupiter Inlet southward to Craig Key including Florida Bay and will likely be discontinued Monday afternoon.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for the northwestern and central Bahamas. This includes Grand Bahama, the Abacos, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Andros, New Providence, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Exumas, San Salvador, Rum Cay and Long Island. A hurricane watch remains in effect for Bermuda. A gale warning remains in effect on the Florida east coast from Cocoa Beach southward to Jupiter Inlet.

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