Hurricane Sam pictured in the Atlantic Ocean, September 24, 2021. Image credit: NOAA/GOES
Another major hurricane is brewing in the Atlantic, but as of Friday the storm posed no threat to land.
As of At 11 a.m. AST, the center of Hurricane Sam was located over the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, about 1,165 miles (2200 km) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, and moving to just north of due west near 14 mph, according to NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center.
While maximum sustained winds remain near 75 mph, rapid intensification is forecasted and Sam is expected to become a major hurricane, with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater, on Saturday.
Although there are no current coastal watches or warnings associated with the storm, the NWS Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch says significant wave heights could reach up 34 feet within 48 hours in Sam’s southwest quadrant.
Assuming Sam does reach major hurricane strength as predicted, it will become the third storm to reach major hurricane strength (after Grace and Ida) and the 18th overall named storm of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Needless to say, Sam will be one to watch. Check the NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center website for the latest on Sam.
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