ZCZC MIATCPEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM BULLETIN Tropical Storm Norma Advisory Number 5 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP172017 900 AM MDT Fri Sep 15 2017 ...NORMA STRENGTHENING AND FORECAST TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY TONIGHT... SUMMARY OF 900 AM MDT...1500 UTC...INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------- LOCATION...18.7N 109.7W ABOUT 85 MI...135 KM E OF SOCORRO ISLAND ABOUT 290 MI...465 KM S OF CABO SAN LUCAS MEXICO MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 340 DEGREES AT 2 MPH...4 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...996 MB...29.42 INCHES WATCHES AND WARNINGS -------------------- There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in Baja California Sur should monitor the progress of Norma. A Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch could be required later today for portions of the peninsula. DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOK ------------------------------ At 900 AM MDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Norma was located near latitude 18.7 North, longitude 109.7 West. Norma is moving toward the north-northwest near 2 mph (4 km/h), and this slow motion is expected to continue through early Saturday. A faster northward motion should begin by early Sunday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Norma is expected to become a hurricane by tonight. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 996 mb (29.42 inches). HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND ---------------------- SURF: Swells generated by Norma will begin affecting portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico and Baja California Sur this weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office. NEXT ADVISORY ------------- Next complete advisory at 300 PM MDT. $$ Forecaster Berg NNNN