Sam is now a hurricane, rapid intensification forecast to continue. Hurricane Sam Advisory Number 7.
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL182021
500 AM AST Fri Sep 24 2021
SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST…0900 UTC…INFORMATION
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wind
LOCATION…11.5N 42.2W
ABOUT 1470 MI…2365 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…75 MPH…120 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…W OR 280 DEGREES AT 15 MPH…24 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…993 MB…29.33 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 AM AST (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 11.5 North, longitude 42.2 West. Sam is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A decrease in forward speed and a motion toward the west-northwest are expected over the weekend.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is forecast to continue, and Sam is likely to become a major hurricane tonight or early Saturday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb (29.33 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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None.
Forecaster Cangialosi
Bron: Daily Herald