666 WTNT33 KNHC 150530 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Tropical Storm Helene Intermediate Advisory Number 31A NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082018 200 AM AST Sat Sep 15 2018 ...HELENE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS AND HEAVY RAINS IN THE AZORES LATER TODAY... SUMMARY OF 200 AM AST...0600 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...36.6N 35.4W ABOUT 480 MI...775 KM WSW OF LAJES AIR BASE IN THE AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...70 MPH...110 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNE OR 30 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...988 MB...29.18 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY: None. SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT: A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for... * All of the Azores Islands A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 12 to 24 hours. Interests in Ireland and the United Kingdom should consult products from their local meteorological service for information about potential impacts from Helene in those locations. Local forecasts and warnings for the UK can be found on the website of the UK Met Office at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/. Local forecasts and warnings for Ireland can be found on the website of Met Eireann at https://www.met.ie/. DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 200 AM AST (0600 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 36.6 North, longitude 35.4 West. Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 18 mph (30 km/h). A turn toward the northeast is expected by tonight or Sunday morning. On the forecast track, Helene will be passing near or over the Azores tonight or on Sunday. Maximum sustained winds remain near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 12 hours, but gradual weakening is expected later in the weekend. Helene is expected to transition to an extratropical cyclone as it approaches Ireland and the United Kingdom in a couple of days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles (260 km) mainly to the east of the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area later today and tonight. RAINFALL: Helene is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches across the Azores, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches across the western Azores. This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding. SURF: Swells generated by Helene are affecting portions of the Azores. 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 500 AM AST. $$ Forecaster Cangialosi