711 WTNT31 KNHC 082043 TCPAT1 BULLETIN Tropical Storm Florence Advisory Number 38 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL062018 500 PM AST Sat Sep 08 2018 ...NOAA HURRICANE HUNTER FINDS FLORENCE A LITTLE STRONGER... ...FLORENCE EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE AGAIN TONIGHT OR EARLY SUNDAY... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...24.6N 54.7W ABOUT 810 MI...1305 KM SE OF BERMUDA ABOUT 695 MI...1120 KM NE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...70 MPH...110 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 5 MPH...7 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 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 Tropical Storm Florence was located near latitude 24.6 North, longitude 54.7 West. Florence is moving toward the west near 5 mph (7 km/h). A west-northwestward to northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected by the middle of next week. On the forecast track, the center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas Tuesday and Wednesday, and approach the southeastern U.S. coast on Thursday. Data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Florence is expected to become a hurricane tonight, and rapid intensification is likely to begin on Sunday. Florence could become a major hurricane by Monday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center. Data from the NOAA aircraft indicate that the minimum central pressure is 989 mb (29.21 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Florence are affecting Bermuda and are beginning to reach portions of the U.S. East Coast. These swells are likely to 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 Berg