Hurricane Sam has intensified to a category four
Hurricane Sam has intensified to a category four hurricane, and the National Hurricane Centre has advised that additional strengthening is expected tonight.
At 5 pm AST, the centre of Hurricane Sam was located over the tropical Atlantic Ocean about 1025 miles (1655 km) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Sam is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). A slower motion to the west-northwest is expected to occur during the weekend, followed by a turn to the northwest on Monday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 140 mph (220 km/h) with higher gusts - a category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Sam remains a small hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure is 943 MB (27.85 inches). Additional strengthening is expected to take place through tonight. Some fluctuations in the hurricane's intensity are then possible early next week.
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.
0 Comment