Tropical Storm Ophelia

Pre-Landfall 5 | Summary
Posting Date: September 15, 2005, 11:00:00 AM

As of 11:00 a.m. EDT, Thursday, September 15, 2005, Hurricane Ophelia is drifting east-northeastward just off the North Carolina Outer Banks with a forward speed of 3 mph. Because little has changed since yesterday, the event set posted yesterday still reflects the meteorological characteristics of this storm. The center of Ophelia is currently located about 30 miles south-southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and about 55 miles east-northeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. This general motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. While the center of Ophelia is forecast to remain just offshore and move parallel to the Outer Banks, the northwest eyewall is actually over the islands and is expected to remain there during the next 12 to 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 80 mph, making Ophelia a weak Category 1 hurricane. Minimum central pressure has risen to 986 mb. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend out to 140 miles. Because of Ophelia’s slow forward speed, exposed properties will be subjected to high winds for a prolonged period. Ophelia is expected to bring with it a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels and a storm surge of 6 to 8 feet at the heads of bays and rivers. Additional rainfall of 3 to 5 inches is forecast for eastern North Carolina. More than 80,000 houses and businesses in North Carolina are without power. Ophelia has ripped shingles, awnings and siding from buildings in Morehead City and nearby Beaufort. The storm has also flooded roads, businesses, and waterfront homes in low-lying areas. AIR continues to monitor Hurricane Ophelia closely and will provide a further update as the storm progresses.

Pre-Landfall 5 | Downloads
Posting Date: September 15, 2005, 11:00:00 AM