000 WTNT33 KNHC 252038 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Hurricane Sam Advisory Number 13 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL182021 500 PM AST Sat Sep 25 2021 ...SAM RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES TO A CATEGORY FOUR HURRICANE... ...SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING EXPECTED THROUGH TONIGHT... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- 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 -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- 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 ---------------------- 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. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 1100 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Beven