ZCZC MIATCPAT4 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN Hurricane Lee Advisory Number 25 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL142017 500 AM AST Sun Sep 24 2017 ...LEE CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY INTENSIFY... SUMMARY OF 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...31.8N 50.1W ABOUT 860 MI...1385 KM E OF BERMUDA ABOUT 1370 MI...2210 KM W OF THE AZORES MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...85 MPH...140 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...S OR 180 DEGREES AT 1 MPH...2 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...983 MB...29.03 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 500 AM AST (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Lee was located near latitude 31.8 North, longitude 50.1 West. Lee is currently drifting southward, and a slow southeastward motion is expected to begin later today. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 36 to 48 hours and Lee could be near major hurricane strength on Monday. Lee is a small hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 10 miles (20 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 983 mb (29.03 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- None. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 1100 AM AST. $$ Forecaster Zelinsky NNNN