Sam is Passing Well to the East-Northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands

SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST…2100 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…20.2N 57.6W
ABOUT 385 MI…620 KM ENE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…130 MPH…215 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 310 DEGREES AT 9 MPH…15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…945 MB…27.91 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located
near latitude 20.2 North, longitude 57.6 West. Sam is moving toward
the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general motion with an
increase in forward speed is expected during the next couple of
days. A turn toward the north is forecast by Friday. On the
forecast track, Sam will continue to pass well to the
east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands through tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher
gusts. Sam is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected
during the next couple of days, but Sam is forecast to remain a
major hurricane through late this week.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles
(220 km).

An Air Force Reserve Unit Hurricane Hunter aircraft reported a
minimum central pressure of 945 mb (27.91 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
SURF: Swells generated by Sam will impact the Lesser Antilles
during the next several days. Swells are expected to reach Bermuda
and the Bahamas in a day or so, and then spread to the United
States east coast by this weekend. These swells could cause
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult
products from your local weather office.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical