Issued at: 10:35 PM AST 1/1/06 (gateway).


Zeta maintaining its strength, forecast insists on weakening,

At 11 pm ast, 0300z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 24.7 north, longitude 38.7 west or about 1145 miles, 1845 km, southwest of the azores.

Zeta is moving toward the southwest near 3 mph, 6 km/hr, and this general motion is expected during the next 24 hours.

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

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 160 miles 260 km mainly to the north and east of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb, 29.53 inches.

Repeating the 11 pm ast position, 24.7 n, 38.7 w. Movement toward, southwest near 3 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 50 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1000 mb.

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