Sam is Getting Larger & Growing Stronger Tonight; Tropical Storm Watch May Be Needed for Bermuda

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…20.6N 58.4W
ABOUT 350 MI…560 KM ENE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
ABOUT 900 MI…1445 KM SSE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…145 MPH…230 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 315 DEGREES AT 12 MPH…19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…940 MB…27.76 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in Bermuda should monitor the progress of Sam. A Tropical Storm Watch could be required for the island on Thursday.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 1100 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 20.6 North, longitude 58.4 West. Sam is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 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 and northeast is anticipated by Friday night. On the forecast track, Sam will continue to pass well to the east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands through tonight, and pass to the east of Bermuda early Saturday.

Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 145 mph (230 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, with more significant weakening anticipated over the weekend.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 65 miles (100 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km). The estimated minimum central pressure based on NOAA Hurricane Hunter data is 940 mb (27.76 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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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