137 WTNT33 KNHC 152335 TCPAT3 BULLETIN Tropical Storm Helene Intermediate Advisory Number 34A NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL082018 800 PM AST Sat Sep 15 2018 ...HELENE PASSING JUST TO THE NORTH OF FLORES ISLAND IN THE AZORES... ...WINDS AND RAINS SHOULD DECREASE OVERNIGHT... SUMMARY OF 800 PM AST...0000 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...40.4N 31.4W ABOUT 65 MI...105 KM NNW OF FLORES ISLAND IN THE WESTERN AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 45 DEGREES AT 24 MPH...39 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...989 MB...29.21 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 the next 6 to 12 hours. The Tropical Storm Warning will likely be discontinued by Sunday morning. 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 800 PM AST (0000 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located near latitude 40.4 North, longitude 31.4 West. Helene is moving toward the northeast near 24 mph (39 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 continue to move past the western Azores overnight and then approach Ireland and the United Kingdom Sunday night and Monday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast through Monday, but 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. Wind gusts to 35 mph (55 km/h) were recently reported on Flores Island in the Azores. The estimated minimum central pressure is 989 mb (29.21 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- WIND: Tropical storm conditions are occurring over portions of the warning area at this time. These conditions should begin to abate by Sunday morning. RAINFALL: Helene is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches across the far western Azores. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) 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 complete advisory at 1100 PM AST. $$ Forecaster Avila