Issued at: 10:31 AM AST 1/4/06 (gateway).


Zeta a little weaker,

At 11 am ast, 1500z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 21.9 north, longitude 44.0 west or about 1265 miles, 2035 km, east-northeast of the northern leeward islands.

Zeta is moving toward the west near 7 mph, 11 km/hr, and this motion is expected to continue today with gradual turn to the west-northwest thereafter.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph, 95 km/hr, with higher gusts. Some weakening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles 185 km mainly to the north of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb, 29.44 inches.

Repeating the 11 am ast position, 21.9 n, 44.0 w. Movement toward, west near 7 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 60 mph. Minimum central pressure, 997 mb.

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