Tropical Storm Katrina threatens Florida, Bahamas

Friday, August 26, 2005

As of 11:30 a.m. EDT on August 26 (1530 UTC), the center of Hurricane Katrina was located over the Gulf of Mexico about 45 miles (70 km) northwest of Key West, and 75 miles (120 km) south-southwest of Naples, Florida. The storm was reported moving southwest near 7 mph (11 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of approximately 100 mph (160 km/h) with higher gusts.

Katrina is expected to strengthen further, likely to at least a Category 3 hurricane and possibly a Category 4 hurricane, as it curves north towards a final landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center.

The minimum central pressure recently observed by an air force reserve unit reconnaissance aircraft was 981 mb or 28.97 inches.

Due to its slow forward speed, Katrina is expected to produce a significant heavy rainfall event over the central and northwest Bahamas as well as south Florida Total rainfall accumulations of 6 to 12 inches and isolated maximum amounts of 15 to 20 inches are possible.

Storm surge flooding of 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected near the center in areas of onshore winds in the Bahamas.

Watches/Warnings

Hurricane Watches

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area-generally within 36 hours. Watches have been issued in these areas:

Lake Okeechobee
Southeast Florida coast

Tropical Storm Warnings

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Warnings have been issued in these areas:

Lake Okeechobee
Southeast Florida coast
Central and northwest Bahamas

Tropical Storm Watches

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area-generally within 36 hours. Watches have been issued in these areas:

East-central Florida coast from Vero Beach north to Titusville
Merritt Island
Middle and upper Florida Keys from west of the Seven Mile Bridge north to Florida City

For storm information specific to your area...including possible inland watches and warnings...please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

TV News Feed

WFOR-CBS4 Weather Programing Feed will be black during commercials (due to FCC restrictions) and during non-news programing.

Deaths

Hurricane Katrina has left 4 people dead so far.

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Related news

"Hurricane Katrina strikes Florida, kills seven" — Wikinews, August 26, 2005

Sources

Carla Salazar. "Tropical Storm KATRINA Public Advisory" — National Hurricane Center, August 24, 2005
"WFOR News Stream" — WFOR, August 24, 2005

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