Hurricane Sam Update – Sept. 28, 2021
Sam likely to miss the United States
Good morning Firsthand Weather family,
Over these last few days, all eyes have been on Hurricane Sam in the deep tropics. Sam rapidly intensified into a strong category 4 hurricane over the weekend. It’s possible that Sam briefly made it to category 5 status but dipped back below that strength before recon aircraft could get there to take measurements.
The good news is that Sam will miss the United States. A long-wave trough will re-amplify over New England by the middle of the week. The trough will limit the western extent of the Bermuda ridge, allowing Sam to make a northward turn toward Bermuda (unfortunately 😔) over the weekend.
Sam recently was downgraded to a category 3 storm but then re-strengthened to low-end category 4 status today. Sea surface temperatures are plenty warm to allow the storm to re-strengthen further this week. Residents in Bermuda should keep a close watch on Sam and brace for potential impacts this weekend.
Written by: Matthew Holliday
Hopefully the worst of Sam will go east of Bermuda-but Bermuda will likely still experience significant effects from this compact but powerful hurricane.