ZCZC MIATCPEP5 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN HURRICANE DOLORES ADVISORY NUMBER 16 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP052015 300 AM MDT WED JUL 15 2015 ...DOLORES RAPIDLY STRENGTHENS TO A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE... SUMMARY OF 300 AM MDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...18.3N 109.9W ABOUT 320 MI...510 KM S OF CABO SAN LUCAS MEXICO MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...130 MPH...215 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...944 MB...27.88 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 300 AM MDT (0900 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Dolores was located near latitude 18.3 North, longitude 109.9 West. Dolores is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the eye of Dolores should pass near Socorro Island later today. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 130 mph (215 km/h) with higher gusts. Dolores is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours before a weakening trend commences on Thursday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 944 mb (27.88 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Dolores are affecting portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico and the southern coast of the Baja California peninsula. 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 900 AM MDT. $$ Forecaster Roberts NNNN