Sam Forecast to Remain a Major Hurricane for the Next Few Days

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…16.8N 53.2W
ABOUT 660 MI…1060 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…120 MPH…195 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NW OR 315 DEGREES AT 9 MPH…15 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…956 MB…28.23 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 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 53.2 West. Sam is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days, with an increase in forward speed beginning on Thursday. A turn to the north is expected by Friday. On the forecast track, Sam will pass well to the northeast of the northern Leeward Islands Wednesday and Thursday.

Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter plane indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Sam is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The hurricane could strengthen some overnight, and Sam is anticipated to be a category 3 or 4 hurricane for the next several days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure from NOAA aircraft data is 956 mb (28.23 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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SURF: Swells generated by Sam will impact the Lesser Antilles for the next several days. Swells are expected to reach Bermuda and the Bahamas mid-to-late week, and then spread to the United States east coast late this week. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

NEXT ADVISORY
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Next complete advisory at 500 AM AST.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical