7:00 AM CDT ATLANTIC BASIN TROPICAL UPDATE, August 13, 2004

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7:00 AM CDT ATLANTIC BASIN TROPICAL UPDATE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2004

Hurricane Charley is is located near 24.4N, 82.9W about 75 miles West of Key West Florida. Charley continues moving in a North-Northwest direction at around 18 mph and is expected to
turn toward the North and North-Northeast during the day today. The estimated central pressure of Charley is 969mb or 28.61 inches. Charley continues to strengthen and is expected to continue this trend. Current winds are estimated at 110 mph with higher gusts to 120 mph in some squalls. As Charley crossed Cuba gusts to 124 mph were recorded. Hurricane force winds extend 30 miles from the center of Charley and tropical storm force winds extend up to 115 miles from the center. A Hurricane warning is in effect for the Dry Tortuga's and Florida Keys to Seven mile bridge and from East Cape Sable to the Steinhatchee river on the West Florida coast. A tropical storm warning is in effect from Cocoa Beach, FL to Altamaha Sound, Georgia on the East coast of Florida. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Ocean reef on the mainland and from Ocean Reef to East Cape Sable. These warnings include Florida Bay and Lake Okeechobee. Tropical storm watches are also in effect Tropical Storm watches are also in effect from Altamaha Sound to Cape Fear NC and from Ocean Reef FL.to Cocoa Beach FL. Storm surge flooding of 2-4 feet can be expected in the Florida Keys with storm surges of 10-13 feet expected along the Southwest Florida coast. Rainfall of 4-8 inches can also be expected along the path of Charley as he progresses Northward today and could cause life threatening flash flooding in some areas of S. Florida. Isolated tornadoes are also probable in many areas of S. Florida today. Charley is expected to continue strengthening and could strengthen into a major Hurricane as he moves into the Southwestern FL coast later today. All interests in the warning and watch areas should rush preparations for a major Hurricane to completion and closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Charley. ALWAYS FOLLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVACUATIONS IF ORDERED. A tropical depression appears to be forming about 240 miles Southeast of the Cape Verde Islands. If the current development trend continues advisories will be initiated later
today.

A westward moving tropical wave about 1275 miles East of the Windward Islands is becoming better organized and has the potential to become a tropical depression in the next few days as it continues Westward.

Elsewhere, no tropical cyclone development is not expected in the Atlantic Basin through Saturday.

This is NOT an OFFICIAL product of the NHC. For OFFICIAL products contact the NHC or your local weather offices.