FRANCES WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION OVER LAND

(DISCLAIMER: See the NOAA National Hurricane Center for the latest information and more frequent updates on this storm. Complete advisories are posted at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. All times are Eastern. Advisories are posted more frequently as the storm nears the USA mainland.)
Latest NOAA Satellite Image of Frances (Visible)	Latest NOAA Infrared Satellite Image of Frances	Latest NOAA Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Radar Image	NOAA Satellite/Radar Time Conversion

Sept. 6, 2004 — At 11 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Depression Frances was located near latitude 31.3 north, longitude 84.6 west or about 30 miles southwest of Albany, Ga. The depression is moving toward the north-northwest near 12 mph, and a turn toward the north is expected during the next 24 hours, according to the NOAA Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. (Click NOAA satellite image for larger view of Tropical Depression Frances taken at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Sept. 6, 2004, showing the storm inland. Click here for high resolution version, which is a large file. Please credit “NOAA.”)

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is expected to continue as the depression moves over land.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 985 mb, 29.09 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 4 to 8 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous waves, from Tampa Bay northward to the Apalachee Bay are expected to gradually recede on Tuesday.

Rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts, are expected over portions of the southeastern United States, especially along and to the east of the path of Frances. (Click NOAA image for larger view of 11 p.m. EDT Tropical Depression Frances tracking map for Sept. 6, 2004.)

Isolated tornadoes are possible over portions of north Florida, eastern Georgia and central and eastern South Carolina.

At 11 p.m. EDT, the tropical storm warning is discontinued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from the Suwannee River to St. Marks. Coastal interests should exercise caution until winds and seas subside.

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
NOAA National Hurricane Center — Get the latest advisories here

NOAA Hurricane Frances Archived Images from the NOAA Visualization Lab

NOAA Satellite Services Division — Latest Images

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NOAA Atlantic Hurricanes Database — 150 Years of Atlantic Hurricanes

Above-normal 2004 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predicted

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Significant River Flood Outlook

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

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