Special 0100Z Tropical Update

Hurricane Bill

At 9:00 PM EDT (0100Z)...the eye of Hurricane Bill is located near 17.0 N 52.7 W. Maximum sustained winds are near 125 mph...this makes Bill a dangerous Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Further strengthening is expected and Bill could become a category 4 hurricane later this evening or Wednesday. Movement is to the west-northwest at 15 mph and this motion is expected to continue with a turn to the northwest in 24 hours. Minimum central pressure reported from NOAA Hurricane Hunters is 958 mb/28.29 in.

This special update is to update Bill as a major hurricane as found by the NOAA Hurricane Hunters. They recent found winds near the center of circulation of 110 kts or 125 mph. While have not updated the forecast track...have updated the intensity forecast upwards as further strengthening is possible over the next 24 hours and could become a extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane as Bill goes through a rapid intensification cycle. A complete update at 11:00 PM EDT.

Forecast Positions and Intensity:

19/01Z 17.0 N 52.7 W 110 kts

19/13Z 17.2 N 54.1 W 115 kts

20/01Z 18.6 N 56.1 W 120 kts

20/13Z 20.1 N 59.5 W 115 kts

21/01Z 21.9 N 62.3 W 115 kts

22/01Z 26.0 N 67.0 W 115 kts

23/01Z 31.5 N 68.0 W 100 kts

24/01Z 37.5 N 63.5 W 85 kts

Byron Jackson
Tropical Specialist