ZCZC MIATCPEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN HURRICANE BLAS ADVISORY NUMBER 12 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP032016 200 PM PDT TUE JUL 05 2016 ...BLAS BECOMES THE FIRST MAJOR HURRICANE OF THE EASTERN PACIFIC SEASON... SUMMARY OF 200 PM PDT...2100 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...14.3N 120.9W ABOUT 930 MI...1500 KM SW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...125 MPH...205 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 275 DEGREES AT 16 MPH...26 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...954 MB...28.17 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 200 PM PDT (2100 UTC), the center of Hurricane Blas was located near latitude 14.3 North, longitude 120.9 West. Blas is moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west-northwest with some decrease in forward speed is expected on Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph (205 km/h) with higher gusts. Blas is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Additional strengthening is possible tonight. After that, Blas is expected to weaken beginning Wednesday night or Thursday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 150 miles (240 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 954 mb (28.17 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 800 PM PDT. $$ Forecaster Beven NNNN