MAJOR HURRICANE in the atlantic
The projected path of Hurricane Sam continues to curve northward and away from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Longer term, computer models indicate that Sam will likely stay out in the Atlantic rather than slam the US mainland.
MAJOR HURRICANE PREDICTED
FROM THE DISCUSSION SECTION OF THE LATEST NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FORECAST:
There are no warnings or watches associated with SAM at this time.
SATURDAY, pm
The current strengthening is expected to continue for the next
6-12 h, and based on this the new intensity forecast now calls for a
peak intensity of 130 kt. After the peak, Sam is expected to be in
an environment of warm sea surface temperatures and light wind
shear for at least the next 3-4 days. This suggests the intensity
will be controlled mainly by eyewall replacement cycles and
possible intrusions of dry air, which would cause some short-term
fluctuations in intensity. In the bigger picture, the intensity
guidance calls for a slow weakening during the 24-120 h forecast
period, and the new intensity forecast does the same. However, it
is likely that Sam will remain a major hurricane through 120 h.
