Sam is Now Passing East-Southeast of Bermuda with Slightly Weaker Wind Speeds

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…31.4N 61.2W
ABOUT 220 MI…355 KM ESE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…145 MPH…230 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NNE OR 20 DEGREES AT 17 MPH…28 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…940 MB…27.76 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…
* Bermuda

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 1100 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 31.4 North, longitude 61.2 West. Sam is now moving toward the north-northeast near 17 mph (28 km/h). A turn toward the northeast is expected by Saturday night, with this motion continuing through Monday. On the forecast track, the center of Sam will pass well to the east of Bermuda during the next several hours.

Maximum sustained winds are now near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts. Sam is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Although fluctuations in intensity are still possible, weakening is forecast during the next couple of days. However, Sam is expected to remain a major hurricane into Sunday.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km). Several automated stations on Bermuda have recently reported wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph (65 to 75 km/h). The estimated minimum central pressure is 940 mb (27.76 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible on Bermuda tonight and early Saturday.

SURF: Swells generated by Sam will impact the northern Leeward Islands, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Bermuda during the next couple of days. Swells are expected to reach the United States east coast and Atlantic Canada on Saturday. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Category: ALL POSTS, Severe Weather, Tropical