GUSTAV MOVING AWAY FROM THE UNITED STATES;
STILL PRODUCING STRONG WINDS IN THE OUTER BANKS

September 10, 2002 — At 11 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Gustav was located near latitude 36.2 north, longitude 73.9 west or about 120 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. Gustav is moving toward the northeast near 18 mph. This general motion is expected to continue with a gradual increase in forward speed. On this track, Gustav should be moving away from the U.S. coast, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Gustav taken at 11:15 a.m. EDT on Sept. 10, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph with higher gusts. Gustav has a chance to become a hurricane on Wednesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 984 mb, 29.06 inches.

Storm surge flooding of up to 5 feet above normal tide levels is possible in the south end of Pamlico Sound. Storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels is possible elsewhere in the warning area. This flooding should begin to diminish soon. High surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along the U.S. East Coast from New York southward to the northern Florida coast early Wednesday.

Additional rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are still possible over portions of eastern North Carolina with 1 to 2 inches over portions of southeastern Virginia. These rains should begin to diminish soon.

The tropical storm warning has been discontinued south of Ocracoke Inlet, the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds, and the southern Chesapeake Bay south of New Point Comfort, Va. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Ocracoke Inlet northward to Parramore Island, 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.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

El Niño Expected to Impact Atlantic Hurricane Season, NOAA Reports

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA's River Forecast Centers

NOAA's Flood Products

NOAA Rainfall Graphics
24-hour Observed Precipitation as of 8 a.m. today

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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