Igor weakens slightly, Julia churns in Atlantic

ORLANDO -- 

Igor is weakens a little, but still remains an intense Category 4 hurricane.

Behind it, Tropical Storm Julia is forecast to intensify as it pushes away from the Cape Verde Islands, though it should take on a more northwesterly track and stay far out to sea.

An area of low pressure to the south of Jamaica could intensify and take on tropical features, though long-range forecasts show movement to the west-northwest to continue, eventually moving across the Yucatan and staying far away from Florida.

Hurricane Igor: Latest advisory

Watches and warnings

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook

At 11 p.m., the eye of Hurricane Igor was located near latitude 17.7 north, longitude 51.2 west.

Igor is moving toward the west near 9 mph. This general speed with a turn toward the west-northwest is expected on Tuesday, followed by a turn toward the northwest early Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 140 mph with higher gusts. Igor is still a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Igor is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through Wednesday.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 195 miles.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 937 mb or 27.67 inches.

Hazards affecting land

Surf: Swells generated by Igor will begin affecting the Leeward Islands on Tuesday and will reach Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Tuesday night and Wednesday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office for additional information.
 

Next advisories

• Complete advisory: 5 a.m.

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Tropical Storm Julia: Latest advisory

Watches and warnings

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

• The southern Cape Verde Islands, including Maio, Sao Tiago, Fogo and Brava.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook

At 11 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Julia was located near latitude 15.6 north, longitude 28.0 west.

Julia is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph. This general motion is expected to continue overnight, followed by a turn toward the northwest with a slight decrease in forward speed on Tuesday. 

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Julia could become a hurricane during the next day or so.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb or 29.53 inches.

Hazards affecting land

None

Next advisories

• Complete advisory: 5 a.m.