ALEX STRENGTHENING AS IT MOVES CLOSER TO THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST,
COULD BECOME A HURRICANE ON TUESDAY

Aug. 2, 2004 — At 11 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Alex was located near latitude 32.8 north, longitude 77.8 west or about 95 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. Alex is moving toward the northeast near 9 mph. This general motion, with a gradual increase in forward speed, is expected for the next 24 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Alex is forecast to pass very near the North Carolina Outer Banks on Tuesday, according to the NOAA National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Alex taken at 10:15 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 70 mph with higher gusts. Some slight strengthening is forecast, and Alex could become a hurricane on Tuesday. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center.

The latest minimum central pressure reported by an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft was 987 mb, 29.15 inches. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Storm Alex taken at 4:15 p.m. EDT on Aug. 2, 2004. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

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 is in effect 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.)

A tropical storm warning is in effect from north of Oregon Inlet to the North Carolina/Virginia border, including the Albemarle Sound. A tropical storm warning is also 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.

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Relevant Web Sites
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NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

Above-normal 2004 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted

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