Tropical Storm Erika Forms in Atlantic

11PM Tracking of Tropical Storm Erika. (NHC Photo)
11PM Tracking of Tropical Storm Erika. (NHC Photo)

11PM Update from National Hurricane Center…TROPICAL STORM FORMS OVER THE CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC…

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…14.4N 47.7W
ABOUT 955 MI…1535 KM E OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…45 MPH…75 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…W OR 275 DEGREES AT 20 MPH…31 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1003 MB…29.62 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of
Erika. Watches may be required for a portion of the Leeward
Islands early Tuesday.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
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At 1100 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 14.4 North, longitude 47.7 West. Erika is moving toward the west near 20 mph (31 km/h). A westward to west-northwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days.
Buoy observations and satellite wind data indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center. Earlier this evening, NOAA buoy 41041 reported sustained winds of 45 mph with a gust to 51 mph.
The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the NOAA buoy is 1003 mb (29.62 inches).

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