Issued at: 10:30 AM AST 1/2/06 (gateway).


Zeta moving west-southwestward well away from land, showing signs of weakening,

At 11 am ast, 1500z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 23.6 north, longitude 40.7 west or about 1490 miles, 2400 km, east-northeast of the northern leeward islands.

Zeta is moving toward the west-southwest near 8 mph, 13 km/hr, and this general motion is expected to continue today.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, 85 km/hr, with higher gusts. Zeta is forecast to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles 260 km northeast of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb, 29.53 inches.

Repeating the 11 am ast position, 23.6 n, 40.7 w. Movement toward, west-southwest near 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 50 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1000 mb.

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