Intermediate Advisory=60 mph,ENE at 8 mph

[cycloneye]

Tropical Storm Adrian Intermediate Advisory Number 5a


Statement as of 5:00 PM PDT on May 18, 2005



...Adrian moving closer to the Pacific coast of Central America...
A Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch is in effect for the
coast of El Salvador. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the
Pacific coast of Guatemala and the Pacific coast of Honduras...
including the golfo de fonseca.

Interests in Central America should closely monitor the progress of
this system.

For storm information specific to your area...including possible
inland watches and warnings...please monitor products issued
by your local weather office.

At 5 PM PDT...0000z...the center of Tropical Storm Adrian was
located near latitude 11.1 north... longitude 92.1 west or about
260 miles... 420 km... southwest of San Salvador El Salvador.

Adrian is moving toward the east-northeast near 8 mph...13 km/hr.
A general motion toward the northeast is expected to resume later
tonight with a gradual increase in forward speed.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph... 95 km/hr...with higher
gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24
hours...and Adrian could become a hurricane on Thursday.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles
... 95 km from the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb...29.44 inches.

Outer rainbands containing gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall
are already affecting the coastal areas of Guatemala...and should
begin affecting El Salvador tonight. Rainfall accumulations of 6 to
10 inches...with isolated higher amounts of near 20 inches in the
mountains...can be expected in association with Adrian. This system
also has the potential to produce torrential rainfall over other
portions of Central America during the next few days. These rains
are likely to produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.
Storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide level is
possible near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.

Repeating the 5 PM PDT position...11.1 N... 92.1 W. Movement
toward...east-northeast near 8 mph. Maximum sustained
winds... 60 mph. Minimum central pressure... 997 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at
8 PM PDT.

Forecaster Pasch

$$