Tropical Storm Jeanne Intermediate Advisory
National Hurricane Center Miami Fl
2 AM AST FRI SEP 17 2004

...Jeanne hugging the north coast of Hispaniola.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the island of Hispaniola from le mole St. Nicholas Haiti eastward to Santo Domingo.

A hurricane warning 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 hurricane watch remains in effect for the central Bahamas including Cat Island, the Exumas Long Island, Rum cay and San Salvador.

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

At 2 am AST 0600z the center of tropical storm Jeanne was estimated near latitude 19.4 north longitude 69.9 west On the north coast of the Dominican Republic in the vicinity of Cabo Frances Viejo and about 65 miles, 100 km North-northwest of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Jeanne has been drifting westward during the past couple of hours but it should begin to move toward the west-northwest near 6 mph, 9 km/hr, with a slight increase in forward speed during the next 24 hours. On the forecast track, the center will continue to move near or along the north coast of Hispaniola for the next several hours and be near the southeastern Bahamas later today.

Maximum sustained winds are estimated near 70 mph, 110 km/hr, with gusts to hurricane force. A reconnaissance plane is expected to be in the area shortly. Jean has the potential to regain hurricane strength after it moves off the island of Hispaniola.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles, 110 km from the center. There has been several reports of tropical storm force winds along the south coast of Hispaniola, and grand Turk recently reported winds of 40 mph, 65 km/hr.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 990 mb. 29.23 inches.

Storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels along with large and dangerous battering waves, can be expected along the north coast of the Dominican Republic today.

Rainfall accumulations of 9 to 13 inches, with isolated higher amounts can be expected over the Dominican Republic. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. A rain band trailing Jeanne is located just to the south and southeast of Puerto Rico and it has the potential to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches locally higher over portions of that island.

Isolated tornadoes are possible over Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic tonight.

Repeating the 2 am AST position 19.4 n. 69.9 w. Movement drifting westward, maximum sustained winds 70 mph. Minimum central pressure 990 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 5 am AST.