ZCZC MIATCPEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN HURRICANE SANDRA ADVISORY NUMBER 9 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP222015 200 PM MST WED NOV 25 2015 ...SANDRA RAPIDLY INTENSIFIES TO MAJOR HURRICANE STRENGTH... SUMMARY OF 200 PM MST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...13.0N 109.9W ABOUT 555 MI...895 KM SW OF MANZANILLO MEXICO ABOUT 685 MI...1100 KM S OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...115 MPH...185 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 325 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...967 MB...28.56 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 tonight or on Thursday. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 200 PM MST (2100 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Sandra was located near latitude 13.0 North, longitude 109.9 West. Sandra is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph (13 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the north- northwest is forecast on Thursday, followed by a northward turn Thursday night. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 115 mph (185 km/h) with higher gusts. Sandra is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Additional strengthening is anticipated during the next 12 to 24 hours, but weakening should commence sometime on Thursday or Thursday night. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (150 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 967 mb (28.56 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 800 PM MST. $$ Forecaster Berg NNNN