ZCZC MIATCPEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN HURRICANE SANDRA ADVISORY NUMBER 8 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP222015 800 AM MST WED NOV 25 2015 ...SANDRA STRENGTHENS TO A CATEGORY 2 HURRICANE... ...BECOMES THE STRONGEST HURRICANE IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC FOR THIS LATE IN THE YEAR... SUMMARY OF 800 AM MST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...12.6N 109.5W ABOUT 560 MI...900 KM SW OF MANZANILLO MEXICO ABOUT 710 MI...1145 KM S OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...100 MPH...155 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 295 DEGREES AT 10 MPH...17 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...975 MB...28.80 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in southern portions of the Baja California peninsula should monitor the progress of Sandra. Tropical storm or hurricane watches may be required for portions of this area later today. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 800 AM MST (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Sandra was located near latitude 12.6 North, longitude 109.5 West. Sandra is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h). A turn toward the northwest is expected later today, followed by a northward turn on Thursday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph (155 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours, and Sandra could become a major hurricane later today or on Thursday. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 975 mb (28.80 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 200 PM MST. $$ Forecaster Berg NNNN