ZCZC MIATCPEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN HURRICANE BLAS ADVISORY NUMBER 7 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP032016 900 AM MDT MON JUL 04 2016 ...BLAS NOW A HURRICANE... ...EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER... SUMMARY OF 900 AM MDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...13.3N 114.4W ABOUT 725 MI...1170 KM SSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...75 MPH...120 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 13 MPH...20 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...994 MB...29.36 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 900 AM MDT (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Blas was located near latitude 13.3 North, longitude 114.4 West. Blas is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours, and Blas is forecast to become a major hurricane on Wednesday. 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 994 mb (29.36 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 300 PM MDT. $$ Forecaster Kimberlain NNNN