Sounding rocket chemical release measurements of the E-region neutral wind profiles were carried out at the magnetic equator at dusk on two consecutive days in September 1994 when a strong prereversal enhancement of the F-region vertical plasma drift was present. Wind profiles were obtained at the equator and ~450--480 km further north. The profiles show wind speeds of 80--100 m s-1 in the lower E-region and reversals of the wind direction over vertical scales of 10--15 km. On both days, the wind direction in the lower E region changed consistently between the northern and equatorial releases, with a strong southward wind evident at the northern position and a stronger eastward wind at the equator.¿ 1997 American Geophysical Union