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stay tuned, there are many factors affecting the track. you can see from some of the quoted meterological commentaries that the path is a battle between this trough over the central US and the westward extension of a high pressure system over bermuda. so its an evolving tug of war. in the last update, there was clearly more of a extension of the westward movement and a general speedup, which means the trough is less likely to get it which moves the onshore strike point to the south.

Issued at: 10:26 PM AST 9/14/03 (gateway).

Intense isabel continues heading west-northwestward,

At 11 pm ast, 0300z, the center of hurricane isabel was located near latitude 24.5 north, longitude 68.3 west or about 85o miles 1370 km, south-southeast of cape hatteras north carolina. This position is also about 535 miles, 860 km, east of nassau in the bahamas.

Isabel is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph, 20 km/hr and a gradual turn toward the northwest is expected during the next day or so.

Maximum sustained winds are near 155 mph, 250 km/hr, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 115 miles, 185 km, from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles, 335 km.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 933 mb, 27.55 inches.

Large ocean swells and dangerous surf conditions are likely over portions of the greater and lesser antilles, the turks and caicos islands, and the islands of the bahamas over the next few days. These dangerous surf conditions will also affect portions of the southeastern u.s. Coast during the next several days.

Repeating the 11 pm ast position, 24.5 n, 68.3 w. Movement toward, west-northwest near 13 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 155 mph. Minimum central pressure, 933 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 5 am ast.