945 WTNT33 KNHC 151434 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Tropical Storm Helene Advisory Number 33 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082018 1100 AM AST Sat Sep 15 2018 ...HELENE TURNING NORTHEASTWARD TOWARD THE AZORES... ...EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TROPICAL-STORM-FORCE WINDS AND LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS... SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------- LOCATION...38.8N 34.0W ABOUT 155 MI...250 KM WSW OF FLORES ISLAND IN THE WESTERN AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...70 MPH...110 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 35 DEGREES AT 21 MPH...33 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 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 38.8 North, longitude 34.0 West. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 21 mph (33 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue with an increase in forward speed during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, Helene should pass near or over the western Azores later today or tonight and then approach Ireland and the United Kingdom Sunday night and Monday. Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast today, but gradual weakening is expected beginning tonight or on Sunday. Helene is expected to transition to an extratropical cyclone as it approaches Ireland and the United Kingdom. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles (295 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected within portions of the warning area within the next several hours. These conditions should continue through tonight. RAINFALL: Helene is expected to produce total rainfall amounts 1 to 2 inches across the far western Azores. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected across western Ireland and Scotland. SURF: Swells generated by Helene are affecting portions of the Azores. These swells are likely to continue for another couple of days and could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next intermediate advisory at 200 PM AST. Next complete advisory at 500 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Beven