000 WTNT32 KNHC 312042 TCPAT2 BULLETIN HURRICANE GASTON ADVISORY NUMBER 37 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL072016 500 PM AST WED AUG 31 2016 ...GASTON WEAKENS WHILE MOVING NORTHEASTWARD... ...TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED FOR PORTIONS OF THE AZORES... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...35.0N 46.9W ABOUT 1035 MI...1665 KM W OF FAIAL ISLAND IN THE CENTRAL AZORES ABOUT 1120 MI...1805 KM W OF LAJES AIR BASE IN THE AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105 MPH...165 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 55 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...969 MB...28.62 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: The Azores Meteorological Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Flores and Corvo in the western Azores and for Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, and Terceira in the central Azores. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for... * Flores and Corvo in the western Azores * Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, and Terceira in the central Azores A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Gaston was located near latitude 35.0 North, longitude 46.9 West. Gaston is moving toward the northeast near 18 mph (30 km/h). A turn toward the east-northeast and an increase in forward speed are expected tonight, followed by a turn toward the east on Friday. On the forecast track, the center of Gaston will move near the western and central Azores on Friday. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Gaston is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm on Friday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 969 mb (28.62 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area on Friday. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next intermediate advisory at 800 PM AST. Next complete advisory at 1100 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Brennan