Tropical Storm Jeanne Advisory
National Hurricane Center Miami Fl
8 PM AST WED SEP 15 2004

Jeanne now moving westward, across the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico, heavy rainfall and flooding occurring on Puerto Rico.

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Puerto Rico and along the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabrera southward to Isla Saona. This warning may be extended westward along the eastern and northern coast of the Dominican Republic later tonight.

A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch remain in effect along the northern coast of the Dominican republic west of Cabrera to Puerto Plata and along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona westward to Santo Domingo. A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch, also remain in effect for the British Virgin Islands. The hurricane watch may be discontinued later tonight for the British Virgin Islands.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for the southeastern Bahamas including the Acklins, Crooked Island, the Inaguas, Mayaguana and the ragged islands as well as for the Turks and Caicos islands.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the U. S. Virgin islands. This warning may be discontinued later tonight.

Interests elsewhere in the Bahamas should monitor the progress of Jeanne.

At 8 pm AST 0000z, the center of tropical storm Jeanne was located near latitude 18.5 north Longitude 67.0 west or over northwestern Puerto Rico near Isabela. This is also about 90 miles 145 km east of eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.

Jeanne is moving toward the west along the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico at near 10 mph 17 km/hr. However, a general motion toward the west-northwest is expected to resume later tonight and continue for the next 24 hours. The forecast motion could bring the center of Jeanne near the northern coast of the Dominican Republic on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph 105 km/hr with higher gusts. After the tropical storm moves away from Puerto Rico, some strengthening is possible over the Mona Passage and Jeanne could become a hurricane later tonight or Thursday.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles 110 km from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb 29.32 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels along with large and dangerous battering waves can still be expected along the north coast of Puerto Rico tonight.

Rainfall accumulations of 9 to 13 inches with isolated higher amounts can be expected over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Several locations across Puerto Rico have already received between 8 to 10 inches of rain with Camerio in the eastern portion of the island having received more than 18 inches of rainfall. On St. Croix the storm total rainfall is now above 12 inches. Many rivers on Puerto Rico are already at or above flood stage.

Isolated tornadoes are possible over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands tonight.

Repeating the 8 pm AST position, 18.5 n 67.0 w movement toward west near 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds 65 mph. minimum central pressure 993 mb.

For storm information specific to your area please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 11 pm AST.