Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin over portions of the Azores during the next few hours. Hurricane conditions are expected to spread over the central Azores by early Friday. A Hurricane Warning continues for the islands of Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, and Terceira in the central Azores, and a Tropical Storm Warning for the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria in the eastern Azores.
Hurricane Alex is centered as of 11 p.m. AST about 275 miles (445 km) south-southeast of Faial Island in the Central Azores,
moving toward the north near 22 mph (35 km/h). On the forecast track, the center will move near or over portions of the Azores Friday morning. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts - a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Little change in strength during the next day or so is expected, but Alex is likely to lose its tropical characteristics on Friday.
Alex is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over the Azores through Friday, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 7 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Also, a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of the center of Alex, be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast.
Get the latest on this tropical cyclone by visiting the NHC website atwww.hurricanes.gov
Hurricane Alex is centered as of 11 p.m. AST about 275 miles (445 km) south-southeast of Faial Island in the Central Azores,
moving toward the north near 22 mph (35 km/h). On the forecast track, the center will move near or over portions of the Azores Friday morning. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts - a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Little change in strength during the next day or so is expected, but Alex is likely to lose its tropical characteristics on Friday.
Alex is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches over the Azores through Friday, with possible isolated maximum amounts of 7 inches. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. Also, a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of the center of Alex, be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast.
Get the latest on this tropical cyclone by visiting the NHC website atwww.hurricanes.gov