000 WTNT33 KNHC 162032 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Hurricane Gert Advisory Number 16 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082017 500 PM AST Wed Aug 16 2017 ...GERT BECOMES A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE OVER THE NORTHWESTERN ATLANTIC... SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...38.7N 62.4W ABOUT 410 MI...665 KM S OF HALIFAX NOVA SCOTIA ABOUT 725 MI...1170 KM SW OF CAPE RACE NEWFOUNDLAND MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100 MPH...155 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 55 DEGREES AT 31 MPH...50 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...970 MB...28.65 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Gert was located near latitude 38.7 North, longitude 62.4 West. Gert is moving quickly toward the northeast near 31 mph (50 km/h). An even faster motion toward the east-northeast is expected through Thursday, followed by some deceleration and a turn toward the northeast Thursday night and Friday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph (155 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected through tonight, but weakening is forecast to begin on Thursday. Gert should become an extratropical low by early Friday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 970 mb (28.65 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Gert will spread northward along the east coast of the United States from Virginia northward to New England and Atlantic Canada during the next day or two. Swells are also expected to continue to affect Bermuda through tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather forecast office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 1100 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Berg