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Hurricane Sam Now Developing an Eye as Rapid Intensification Has Restarted

| September 24, 2021 @ 3:55 pm

As we approach 4 pm on Friday afternoon, it is apparent that Hurricane Sam is starting to really get his act together, as satellite images are now starting the formation of an eye at the center of the cyclone. Does that mean that the rapid intensification has restarted? Here is the latest from the National Hurricane Center:

SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST…2100 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…12.1N 44.8W
ABOUT 1290 MI…2075 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…85 MPH…140 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…W OR 280 DEGREES AT 12 MPH…19 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…986 MB…29.12 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 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 12.1 North, longitude 44.8 West. Sam is moving toward the west near 12 mph (19 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue with a gradual decrease in forward speed and turn toward the west-northwest over the weekend.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is forecast over the next several days, and Sam is expected 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 986 mb (29.12 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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None.

All images, forecasts, and documents are courtesy of their respective publishers.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical

About the Author ()

Scott Martin is an operational meteorologist, professional graphic artist, musician, husband, and father. Not only is Scott a member of the National Weather Association, but he is also the Central Alabama Chapter of the NWA president. Scott is also the co-founder of Racecast Weather, which provides forecasts for many racing series across the USA. He also supplies forecasts for the BassMaster Elite Series events including the BassMaster Classic.

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