Powerful Hurricane Sam Now Moving North-Northwestward

SUMMARY OF 800 PM AST…0000 UTC…INFORMATION
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LOCATION…24.3N 61.0W
ABOUT 600 MI…965 KM SSE OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…145 MPH…230 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…NNW OR 340 DEGREES AT 14 MPH…22 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…938 MB…27.70 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for…
* Bermuda

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 800 PM AST (0000 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 24.3 North, longitude 61.0 West. Sam is moving toward the north-northwest near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this continued motion with an additional increase in forward speed is expected tonight. A turn toward the north is anticipated on Friday, and a northeastward motion is forecast to begin on Saturday. On the forecast track, the core of Sam will pass to the east of Bermuda early Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts. Sam is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next couple of days, but Sam is forecast to remain a major hurricane into Saturday, with more significant weakening anticipated later in the weekend.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 938 mb (27.70 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda beginning Friday night or early Saturday.

SURF: Swells generated by Sam will impact the northern Leeward Islands and the Greater Antilles, including Puerto Rico, during the next few days. Swells are expected to reach Bermuda and the Bahamas by Friday, and then spread to the United States east coast by this weekend. These swells could cause life threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Category: ALL POSTS, Severe Weather, Tropical