DDM noted that there are currently no watches or warnings for the [British] Virgin Islands; however, persons must continue to monitor the Atlantic in case of any changes with the hurricane. Photo: DDM/Facebook

Hurricane Sam has developed into a major Category 3 storm with the possibility to grow stronger in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center said in a public advisory today, Saturday, September 25, 2021. Photo: NHC

Tropical Storm Sam has now been upgraded into a hurricane as of Friday, September 24, 2021. Photo: NHC

This is according to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) this morning, September 26, 2021.

DDM said there is a very low threat to the islands with respect to winds; however, given the dynamic nature of Tropical Cyclones any shift to the south could bring the cyclone closer to the islands; hence the need for continuous monitoring.

“As the system passes, extensive impacts from swells/surfs are expected to affect coastal areas which could lead to soil erosion and rip currents therefore to be safe, residents will be asked to avoid these areas until the all-clear is given.”

Where is Sam?

At 5:00 am ast (0900 utc), the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 13.8 north, longitude 49.7 west or about 837 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and 1038 miles east-southeast of the [British] Virgin Islands.

Sam is slowly moving towards the west-northwest near 8 mph (13 km/h). This general motion is expected to continue today, September 26, 2021, followed by a turn toward the northwest on Monday. Then, a northwestward motion is forecast to continue through midweek, DDM said.

Maximum sustained winds are near 145 mph (230 km/h) with higher gusts.

“Sam is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next day or so. Thereafter, some slow weakening is forecast.”

DDM noted that there are currently no watches or warnings for the [British] Virgin Islands; however, persons must continue to monitor the Atlantic in case of any changes with the hurricane.

See previous article published September 25, 2021

UPDATE: Hurricane Sam intensifies to 'major' category 3 storm 

Hurricane Sam, a storm brewing in the Atlantic is now a "major hurricane," but forecasters say it currently poses little threat to land.

Sam has developed into a Category 3 storm with the possibility to grow stronger in the coming days, the National Hurricane Center said in a public advisory today, Saturday, September 25, 2021.

The "small but dangerous" hurricane is one of the earliest 18th named storms to form, beaten only by last season, which was the most active hurricane season on record.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to approximately 120 miles per hour with even higher gusts. The storm's winds extend outward up to 25 miles from its center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.

System located north of VI - DDM 

According to information from the Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management, analysis and the forecast track of Hurricane Sam places the system sufficiently north of the area to spare the VI the tropical cyclone wind impacts; as a result, the system poses a very low threat to the islands at this time. 

The NHC said "Additional strengthening is expected over the next day or so, and Sam is forecast to become a category 4 hurricane by Sunday." 

"Some fluctuations in the hurricane's intensity are possible early next week," it further said.

According to the DDM, no watches or warnings are required for the VI at this time; however, residents are still being wared to guard against complacency and be prepared to activate their hurricane preparedness plans in the event it becomes necessary.

See previous story published yesterday, September 24, 2021

Tropical Storm Sam now a hurricane

- becomes 7th Hurricane of 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Tropical Storm Sam has now been upgraded into a hurricane as of Friday, September 24, 2021.

According to the National Hurricane Center in its 5:00am update, the center of Hurricane Sam was located near latitude 11.5 North, longitude 42.2 West. Sam is moving toward the west near 15 mph (24 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through tonight.

A decrease in forward speed and a motion toward the west-northwest are expected over the weekend.

According to the NHC, sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts.

Rapid intensification is forecast to continue, and Sam is likely to become a major hurricane tonight or early Saturday, September 25, 2021. 

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles(95 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 993 mb (29.33 inches).

Hurricane Sam is the 7th Hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season.