TROPICAL DEPRESSION NINE REMAINS POORLY ORGANIZED

September 12, 2002 — At 2 p.m. EDT, the poorly defined center of tropical depression nine was located near latitude 27.3 north, longitude 87.5 west or about 215 miles south of Pensacola, Fla. The depression has been drifting westward during the past few hours, but a slow northward motion should begin soon, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of tropical depression nine taken at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Sept. 12, 2002. Click here to see latest view. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Data from a reconnaissance plane indicate that the depression has not intensified and, maximum sustained winds remain near 35 mph with higher gusts. However, the depression still has the potential of becoming a tropical storm Thursday night or Friday. The latest minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Plane was 1004 mb, 29.65 inches.

Heavy rains are occurring over portions of the Florida peninsula well to the east of the depression center. Additional rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, locally higher, are likely. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of tropical depression nine taken at 2:15 p.m. EDT on Sept. 12, 2002.)

A tropical storm watch is in effect from the Suwannee River, Fla., westward to just east of Pascagoula, Miss. A tropical storm warning will likely be issued later Thursday.

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

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