"MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 75 MPH...120 KM/HR... WITH HIGHER GUSTS. NOEL IS NOW A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR/SIMPSON HURRICANE SCALE. HOWEVER...IT IS EXPECTED TO LOSE TROPICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITHIN THE NEXT 24 HOURS. NOEL SHOULD THEN STRENGTHEN AND INCREASE IN SIZE AS AN EXTRATROPICAL CYCLONE. INTERESTS ALONG THE U.S. EAST COAST FROM NORTH CAROLINA NORTHWARD SHOULD CONSULT STATEMENTS ISSUED BY THEIR LOCAL NWS FORECAST OFFICE."