Sam Holding Steady for Now; Rapid Intensification Expected to Resume Soon
After rapidly intensifying from a mid-level tropical storm to a category 1 hurricane within a 24-hour time span, Hurricane Sam is taking a brief pause in the rapid intensification. However, that rapid intensification is expected to resume, with Sam potentially becoming a major hurricane by Saturday. Here is the latest from the National Hurricane Center:
SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST…1500 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…11.8N 43.7W
ABOUT 1365 MI…2200 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…75 MPH…120 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…W OR 280 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 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 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 11.8 North, longitude 43.7 West. Sam is moving just north of due west near 14 mph (22 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 remain near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is forecast to resume over the next several days, and Sam is likely to become a major hurricane on 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.