Track map

7 day SST Track Map Track map overlaid on sea surface temperature (SST) image (408 Kb). This image is derived from averaging SST data over 7 days ending 10 September 1998 to remove clouds. Because conditions over the Gulf were so cloudy during this time, a 3 day average was insufficient to remove the clouds and a 7 day average was required. The previous track of Earl is also shown (dash-dot line). Note the cool wake of Earl to the east of its track.

Track file
Track data (lat/lon, winds, etc.) in a text file.

Return to 1998 index page

1998 September 9 09:24 UT
NOAA-14 AVHRR channel 4 nighttime image. A closer view (539 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. At this time, Frances is still a disorganized tropical depression.

1998 September 10 12:44 UT
NOAA-12 AVHRR 3 channel composite morning image. A closer view (463 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. Frances is now a tropical storm with 45 mph maximum sustained winds. It is gradually becoming more organized. A very large image (992 Kb) is also available.

1998 September 11 00:08 UT
NOAA-12 AVHRR 3 channel composite late evening image. A closer view (394 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. In this image, Frances is slowly crossing the coast of Texas. The maximum sustained winds at the time of this image are about 60 mph. However, these winds will reach 65 mph within the next few hours. A very large image (866 Kb) is also available.

1998 September 11 09:02 UT
NOAA-14 AVHRR channel 4 nighttime image. A closer view (604 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. Radar and aircraft observations showed the center of Frances making landfall just north of Corpus Christi, Texas, between Port Aransas and Port O'Connor at about 06:00 UT. The forward motion of Frances is continuing to decrease and the maximum sustained winds have now dropped from 65 mph to 45 mph. A very large image (1307 Kb) is also available.

1998 September 11 12:22 UT
NOAA-12 AVHRR 3 channel composite early morning image. A closer view (444 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. Frances is nearly stationary and is continuing to cause extensive flooding near the Texas coast. A very large image (948 Kb) is also available.

1998 September 11 23:44 UT
NOAA-12 AVHRR 3 channel composite late evening image. A closer view (496 Kb) is seen by clicking on this small image. Frances is now moving slowly toward the north-northeast. The maximum sustained winds have dropped to 35 mph. A very large image (1062 Kb) is also available.