000 WTNT32 KNHC 021739 TCPAT2 BULLETIN TROPICAL STORM GASTON INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 44A NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL072016 200 PM AST FRI SEP 02 2016 ...GASTON NEAR FLORES ISLAND IN THE WESTERN AZORES... SUMMARY OF 200 PM AST...1800 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...39.3N 31.3W ABOUT 150 MI...240 KM WNW OF FAIAL ISLAND IN THE CENTRAL AZORES ABOUT 230 MI...365 KM W OF LAJES AIR BASE IN THE AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...ENE OR 70 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...992 MB...29.29 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: None. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Warning 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 Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 12 to 24 hours. For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 200 PM AST (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Gaston was located near latitude 39.3 North, longitude 31.3 West. Gaston is moving toward the east-northeast near 18 mph (30 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue through Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Gaston will pass north of the central Azores tonight. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Weakening is forecast during the next day or so, and Gaston is expected to become a remnant low on Saturday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 992 mb (29.29 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the western Azores today and over portions of the central Azores tonight. RAINFALL: Gaston is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 1 to 3 inches over the western and central Azores through Saturday. SURF: Swells generated by Gaston are affecting the Azores and will continue into Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. For more information, please consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 500 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Pasch