Paulette Could Strengthen into a Hurricane in a Couple of Days, May Impact Bermuda

SUMMARY OF 1000 AM CDT…1500 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…21.5N 49.1W
ABOUT 935 MI…1510 KM ENE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
ABOUT 1220 MI…1960 KM SE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…50 MPH…85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 10 MPH…17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…998 MB…29.47 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 this system.
Please consult products from your local weather office.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Paulette was located near latitude 21.5 North, longitude 49.1 West. Paulette is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). A west-northwestward or northwestward motion with some increase in forward speed is expected through the weekend.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional slight weakening is expected during the next day or so, but Paulette is then forecast to restrengthen by Saturday. Paulette could become a hurricane by Sunday or Monday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 998 MB (29.47 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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SURF: Swells generated by Paulette are expected to reach portions of the Leeward Islands tonight and Friday and will continue to spread westward to portions of the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, Bermuda, and the southeastern United States into the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical