ZCZC MIATCPAT2 ALL
TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM

BULLETIN
Hurricane Ophelia Advisory Number  22
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL172017
1100 AM AST Sat Oct 14 2017

...OPHELIA BECOMES A RARE CATEGORY 3 HURRICANE SOUTH OF THE
AZORES...
...THIS IS THE SIXTH MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE 2017 SEASON...


SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION
-----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...34.8N 26.6W
ABOUT 220 MI...355 KM S OF THE AZORES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...115 MPH...185 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 55 DEGREES AT 25 MPH...41 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...960 MB...28.35 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
There are no coastal tropical cyclone watches or warnings in effect.

Interests in the Azores should refer to products issued by the
Azores Weather Forecast and Watch Center.

Interests in Ireland should monitor products issued by Met Eireann,
and interests in the United Kingdom should monitor products issued
by the UK Met Office.


DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK
------------------------------
At 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the distinct eye of Hurricane Ophelia was
located near latitude 34.8 North, longitude 26.6 West.  Ophelia is
moving toward the northeast near 25 mph (41 km/h), and this motion
is expected continue through Sunday with a turn toward the
north-northeast thereafter.  On the forecast track, the core of
Ophelia will pass to the south and southeast of the southeastern
Azores by tonight.

Satellite data indicate that the maximum sustained winds have
increased near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts.  Ophelia is a
category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
No significant change in strength is expected today, but gradual
weakening should begin tonight or Sunday.  However, Ophelia is still
expected to remain a powerful cyclone with hurricane force winds for
the next couple of days as it approaches Ireland.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the
center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles
(205 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 960 mb (28.35 inches).


HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
----------------------
WIND:  Tropical-storm-force winds are possible throughout the Azores
beginning this afternoon or tonight, primarily due to an approaching
cold front.

RAINFALL:  Ophelia is expected to produce total rain accumulations
of 1 to 3 inches over the central and southeastern Azores through
Saturday night.


NEXT ADVISORY
-------------
Next complete advisory at 500 PM AST.

$$
Forecaster Avila

NNNN