Actions

Hurricane Sam expected to rapidly intensify this weekend

Sam forecast to become Category 4 hurricane

Hurricane Sam is expected to continue to strengthen over the next few days.

By: James Wieland

Posted

and last updated

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Hurricane Sam is expected to continue to strengthen over the next few days.

It is still forecast to become a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph over the weekend.

TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide

At 5 p.m. Friday, Sam was moving west at 12 mph.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to 85 mph with higher gusts.

Rapid intensification is forecast over the next several days, and Sam is expected to become a major hurricane on Saturday.

So far, models re-curve it east of the Bahamas.

Sam is the 18th named storm of the 2021 hurricane season.

A tropical wave behind Sam has a medium chance to develop.

At 5 p.m. Friday, Subtropical Storm Teresaformed north of Bermuda with 45 mph winds.

WPTV First Alert Weather Spotters Sponsored By: Manatee Lagoon

About WPTV NewsChannel 5

Join WPTV First Alert Weather Spotters team

Jonathan Diego

Hurricane

Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne: 20 Years Later

Surfing Blog

Surf Forecast: Going flat for Thanksgiving week

James Wieland

HURRICANE GUIDE

2024 STORM NAMES

~~Alberto~~

~~Beryl~~

~~Chris~~

~~Debby~~

~~Ernesto~~

~~Francine~~

~~Gordon~~

~~Helene~~

~~Isaac~~

~~Joyce~~

~~Kirk~~

~~Leslie~~

~~Milton~~

~~Nadine~~

~~Oscar~~

~~Patty~~

~~Rafael~~

Sara

Tony

Valerie

William

TERMS TO KNOW

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.