Issued at: 4:29 PM AST 1/2/06 (gateway).


Zeta maintaining strength at this time, but still likely to begin weakening later tonight or on Tuesday,

At 5 pm ast, 2100z, the center of tropical storm zeta was located near latitude 23.5 north, longitude 41.1 west or about 1465 miles, 2360 km, east-northeast of the northern leeward islands.

Zeta is moving toward the west-southwest near 7 mph 11 km/hr, and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight.

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, 23.5 n, 41.1 w. Movement toward, west-southwest near 7 mph. 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.