This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute nor should it be used in place of official information.  Please follow and obey orders from local emergency management officials.

Hurricane Ivan - Sunday - September 12, 2004 - 3:00 PM

*THREAT INCREASING FOR LANDFALL IN THE AREA WEST OF PANAMA CITY BEACH TO THE MS/AL BORDER*

**IVAN THREATENING TO BE INTENSE GULF HURRICANE**

CURRENTLY: Short update here….full update tonight at 9:30.

Ivan passed about 30 miles off the coast of Grand Cayman. This spared the island an eye passage but the island was still ravaged by winds of 125 mph with higher gusts. Damage reports will confirm significant destruction to that island I'm sure.

Of more significance at this hour is the westward wobble of the past few hours and the lack of a definitive N.W. turn. Latest short term motion has been near 280 degrees.

Without getting long winded this will likely send Ivan through the Yucatan Channel, sparing a direct hit on the Isle of Youth and western Cuba.

Still expect the NW turn to be sure but it is going to be slower and wider.

Thus…the threat of landfall on the west coast of Fl is over and it is time for the media to leave those people alone.

The threat of landfall on the eastern Fl panhandle is lessening.

The threat of landfall from Panama City Beach westward to the MS/AL border is increasing.

The threat of a Cat 3 to Low Cat 4 (125 to 140 mph) hurricane on the gulf coast is increasing.

Residents from St. George Island Florida westward to the MS/AL border need to monitor the progress of Ivan…as the threat of a major landfalling hurricane is aimed at this area of the coast.

Residents from St. George Island east to Cedar Key still need to pay attention but threat is lowering there.

Residents south of Cedar Key and breath easy…the threat of direct landfall is over.

Residents west of the MS/AL border along the Mississippi coast west to the LA border should monitor future updates. Until the turn to the NW becomes established locations west of the FL panhandle are at risk.

Will have more complete update tonight at 9:30.

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION.

Please refer to official statements from TPC and local weather services offices for official information. Please obey all evacuation orders as issued by local emergency service offices.

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http://www.snonut.flhurricane.com/index.html

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