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


Zeta strengthened against all odds and forecasts,

At 11 pm ast, 0300z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 23.5 north, longitude 41.2 west or about 1460 miles, 2350 km, east-northeast of the northern leeward islands.

Zeta is moving toward the west near 2 mph, 4 km/hr, and this motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph, 95 km/hr, with higher gusts mainly to the north of the center. However, a gradual weakening is still forecast.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles, 220 km to the north of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb, 29.44 inches.

Repeating the 11 pm ast position, 23.5 n, 41.2 w. Movement toward, west near 2 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 60 mph. Minimum central pressure, 997 mb.

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