GUSTAV CONTINUES WEST-NORTHWEST WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN STRENGTH

September 9, 2002 — At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of subtropical storm Gustav was located near latitude 32.2 north, longitude 74.8 west or about 220 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. Gustav is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph, and a gradual turn toward the north at a slower forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours. This motion could bring the center near the North Carolina coast on Tuesday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of subtropical storm Gustav taken at 4:45 p.m. EDT on Sept. 9, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Reports from an Air Force Reserve “hurricane hunter” aircraft indicate that Gustav continues to have the characteristics of a subtropical storm with the strongest winds well away from the center.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 145 miles from the center. Reports from NOAA buoy 41002 indicate the minimum central pressure is 999 mb, 29.50 inches.

Observations from tide gauges in the south end of the Pamlico Sound indicate storm surge flooding of about 3 feet above normal tide levels. Storm surge flooding of up to 6 feet above normal tide levels is possible in this area. Storm surge flooding of 1-3 feet above normal tide levels is possible elsewhere in the warning area. High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the U.S. East Coast from New Jersey southward to the central Florida coast Monday.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible over portions of eastern North Carolina Monday and Tuesday. Isolated tornadoes are possible over portions of eastern North Carolina Monday night.

A tropical storm warning is in effect from Cape Fear, N.C., northward to Currituck Beach Light, N.C., including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. A tropical storm watch is in effect from north of Currituck Beach Light northward to Parramore Island, Va., including the southern Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort, Va.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices.

Click NOAA tracking map for larger view.

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