ZCZC MIATCPEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN TROPICAL STORM BLAS ADVISORY NUMBER 5 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP032016 900 PM MDT SUN JUL 03 2016 ...BLAS FORECAST TO BECOME A HURRICANE TONIGHT OR MONDAY... SUMMARY OF 900 PM MDT...0300 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...12.4N 112.2W ABOUT 740 MI...1190 KM SSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1001 MB...29.56 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 900 PM MDT (0300 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Blas was located near latitude 12.4 North, longitude 112.2 West. Blas is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h), and a general westward to west-northwestward motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected through Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Blas is forecast to become a hurricane overnight or early Monday and be near major hurricane strength on Tuesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1001 mb (29.56 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 300 AM MDT. $$ Forecaster Brennan NNNN