000 WTNT33 KNHC 290837 TCPAT3  BULLETIN Hurricane Sam Advisory Number  27 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL182021 500 AM AST Wed Sep 29 2021  ...AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTERS FIND SAM FLUCTUATING IN STRENGTH...   SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...18.9N 56.2W ABOUT 455 MI...730 KM E OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...130 MPH...215 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 310 DEGREES AT 9 MPH...15 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...950 MB...28.06 INCHES   WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.   DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK ---------------------- At 500 AM AST (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 18.9 North, longitude 56.2 West. Sam is moving toward the northwest near 9 mph (15 km/h), and this general motion with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days.  A turn toward the north is forecast by Friday.  On the forecast track, Sam will pass well to the east and northeast of the northern Leeward Islands through tonight.  Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate  that the maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph (215 km/h) with  higher gusts.  Sam is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.  Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next couple of days, but Sam is forecast to remain a major hurricane through late this week.  Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles (65 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).  The latest minimum central pressure estimated from reconnaissance  aircraft data is 950 mb (28.06 inches).   HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- Key messages for Sam can be found in the Tropical Cyclone Discussion under AWIPS header MIATCDAT3 and WMO header WTNT43 KNHC.  SURF:  Swells generated by Sam will impact the Lesser Antilles during the next several days.  Swells are expected to reach Bermuda and the Bahamas in a day or two, and then spread to the United States east coast by this weekend.  These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.  Please consult products from your local weather office.   NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 1100 AM AST.  $$ Forecaster Brown