HURRICANE WARNING ISSUED AS ALEX EDGES TOWARD THE COAST

Aug. 2, 2004 — At 5 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was located near latitude 32.1 north, longitude 78.5 west or about 150 miles south-southwest of Wilmington, N.C. Alex is moving toward the north-northeast near 6 mph. A turn toward the northeast is expected Monday night. On the forecast track, the center of Alex is expected to pass very near the North Carolina outer banks Tuesday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Alex taken at 12:45 p.m. EDT on Aug. 2, 2004. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Alex is forecast to become a hurricane during the next 24 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Alex taken at 10:15 a.m. EDT on Aug. 2, 2004. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb, 29.32 inches.

Storm total rainfall accumulations of 2-3 inches, with isolated higher amounts, can be expected in association with Alex. Coastal storm surge flooding of 1-2 feet above normal tide levels can be expected on Atlantic shorelines. Storm surge flooding of 2-4 feet above normal tide levels can be expected inside Pamlico Sound. High surf and rip currents will affect much of the southeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S. coastal areas for the next couple of days.

A hurricane warning has been issued from Cape Lookout to Oregon Inlet, N.C., including the Pamlico Sound. This means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area during the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. (Click NOAA image for larger view of Tropical Storm Alex tracking map. Please credit “NOAA.”)

A tropical storm warning has been issued from north of Oregon Inlet to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including the Albemarle Sound. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from South Santee River, S.C., to Cape Lookout, N.C.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by NOAA National Weather Service local forecast offices and statements from local emergency management officials.

NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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

NOAA Satellite Services Division — Latest Images

NOAA 3-D Satellite Images

NOAA Enhanced Satellite Images

NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

Above-normal 2004 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

NOAA Flood Products

NOAA Inland Flooding Information

Significant River Flood Outlook

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

Latest rainfall data as of 8 a.m. EDT today

NOAA Buoys

NOAA Tides Online

NOAA Satellite Images — The latest satellite views

Colorized Satellite Images

NOAA Hurricanes Page

NOAA Storm Watch — Get the latest severe weather information across the USA

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