Sam Becomes a Category 4 Hurricane; Teresa Degenerates Into an Open Low

Sam rapidly intensifies into a category 4 hurricane but continues to be no immediate threat to any land. While Sam continues to strengthen, Teresa has degenerated into a remnant low. Here’s the latest from the National Hurricane Center:

SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST…2100 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…13.3N 48.5W
ABOUT 1025 MI…1655 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…140 MPH…220 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 10 MPH…17 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…943 MB…27.85 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 13.3 North, longitude 48.5 West. Sam is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). A slower motion to the west-northwest is expected over the weekend, followed by a turn to the northwest on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near near 140 mph (220 km/h) with higher gusts. Sam is now a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Additional strengthening is expected through tonight. Some fluctuations in the hurricane’s intensity are then possible early next week.

Sam remains a small hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 943 mb (27.85 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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SURF: Swells generated by Sam are forecast to reach the Lesser Antilles early next week. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical