Hurricane Jeanne Moving Faster Towards Florida: Death Toll in Haiti Over 1,100

Miami, FL (HDW) September 24, 2004 – Hurricane Jeanne is actually picking up speed and a hurricane watch may have to be issued for Florida by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) some time today. Hurricane Jeanne is reported to possibly have killed thousands of people in Haiti already. A hurricane watch is already in effect for the northwestern Bahamas. The pictures above display the inside of Hurricane Jeanne as seen from an aircraft operated by NOAA, and Hurricane Jeanne as seen from a NASA satellite.

Hurricane Jeanne is currently east of the Great Abaco Island, and it is moving west towards Florida at 6 miles per hour (9 km/hr). Maximum sustained winds are near 105 miles per hour with higher gusts. The storm is expected to increase in speed and to strengthen according to NOAA. Hurricane force winds extend out from the center of Jeanne to 45 miles, while tropical storm force winds extend out to 140 miles. Dangerous rip and surf currents caused by large swells are possible along the southeastern coast of the U.S. over the next few days. Below is a picture of the latest 5-day forecast map of Hurricane Jeanne as provided by NOAA.