Issued at: 4:28 PM AST 1/1/06 (gateway).


Zeta meandering over the open waters of the atlantic,

At 5 pm ast, 2100z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 25.0 north, longitude 38.2 west or about 1115 miles, 1790 km, southwest of the azores.

Zeta has been meandering over the past several hours but a slow west-southwestward motion is expected over the next 24 hours.

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

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

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb, 29.53 inches.

Repeating the 5 pm ast position, 25.0 n, 38.2 w. Movement meandering. Maximum sustained winds, 50 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1000 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 11 pm ast.