Even weak systems can strengthen. |
Hurricanes rarely sustain such extreme winds for much time. However we see no obvious large-scale effects to cause a substantial weakening the system and it is expected that the hurricane will be of Category 4 or 5 intensity when it reaches the coast. |
It should have more time over the water so it could potentially be stronger than (Tropical Storm) Charley. |
It's going to be very close. We're not saying there is a threat now, but there is a potential threat. |
Most locations experienced at least Category 1 conditions and a number of locations experienced Category 2 conditions. |
Right now what we're forecasting is for it to become a tropical storm and move into the northern Gulf of Mexico. |
The big question continues to be what will happen beyond the five-day forecast period. It is still impossible to state with any confidence whether a specific area along the U.S. coast will be impacted by Isabel. |
The big questions are how soon this turn will occur, and how far to the right Lili might go during the next few days. This has a critical bearing on south Florida. |
The intensity of a hurricane does not mean that the strength of the wind is the same everywhere around the storm's circulation. |
The lesson to be learned here is people shouldn't take a Category 1 or 2 hurricane lightly. A Category 1 or 2 has the same winds as a low-end tornado. |
The main impediment to strengthening will be land. But Jamaica and even western Cuba are unlikely to have much impact. |
The primary concern is very heavy rains. |
We have the unpleasant possibility that the cyclone could linger near the southeast United States through five days, |
We're looking at local squalls ... with winds gusting up to 50-60 miles per hour (80-96 km/h), |
We're looking at local squalls ... with winds gusting up to 50-60 miles per hour (80-96 km/h). |