Isaac showing little change in strength

At 11 a.m. the National Hurricane Center gave an update on Hurricane Isaac.

The centre of Hurricane Isaac is located near latitude 14.7 North, longitude 43.9 West. Isaac is moving toward the west near 14 mph (22 km/h). A westward motion with a slight increase in forward speed is expected through the end of the week.

On the forecast track, Isaac should move across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts.  Additional strengthening is expected over the next day or two.  Weakening is forecast to begin by the middle of the week as Isaac approaches the Lesser Antilles.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 10 miles (20 km) from the centre and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb (29.33 inches).

At present there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. (NHC)