Issued at: 10:30 PM AST 1/4/06 (gateway).


Zeta, barely a tropical storm,

At 11 pm ast, 0300z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 21.7 north, longitude 46.0 west or about 1135 miles, 1830 km, east-northeast of the northern leeward islands.

Zeta is moving toward the west near 10 mph, 17 km/hr, and a turn toward the west-northwest and northwest is expected during the next 24 hours.

Maximum sustained windshave decreased to near 40 mph, 65 km/hr, with higher gusts, mainly to the northeast of the center. Continued weakening is forecast, and zeta is likely to become a tropical depression on Thursday.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles 165 km to the northeast of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb, 29.65 inches.

Repeating the 11 pm ast position, 21.7 n, 46.0 w. Movement toward, west near 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 40 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1004 mb.

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