ZCZC MIATCPEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN TROPICAL STORM BLAS ADVISORY NUMBER 6 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP032016 300 AM MDT MON JUL 04 2016 ...BLAS STRENGTHENING... ...EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE THIS MORNING... SUMMARY OF 300 AM MDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...12.7N 113.2W ABOUT 735 MI...1185 KM SSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...70 MPH...110 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...999 MB...29.50 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 center of Tropical Storm Blas was located near latitude 12.7 North, longitude 113.2 West. Blas is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph (19 km/h), and a general west-northwestward to westward motion at a slightly faster forward speed is expected through Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Blas is expected to become a hurricane later this morning and be near major hurricane strength by late Tuesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 999 mb (29.50 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 900 AM MDT. $$ Forecaster Stewart NNNN