11 p.m. update on Hurricane Celia

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTRE

************************* CELIA BECOMES A CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE OVER OPEN WATERS - NO THREAT TO LAND.

LOCATION - 13.1N 115.9W - ABOUT 785 MI (1,260 KM) SSW OF THE SOUTHERN TIP OF BAJA CALIFORNIA

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS - 160 MPH (260 KM/HR)

PRESENT MOVEMENT - WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 13 MPH (20 KM/HR)

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE - 926 MB (27.34 INCHES)

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

DISCUSSION AND 48-HOUR OUTLOOk

AT 800 PM PDT, THE EYE OF HURRICANE CELIA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 13.1 NORTH - LONGITUDE 115.9 WEST.

CELIA IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH (20 KM/HR) AND THIS GENERAL MOTION WITH A DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 160 MPH (260 KM/HR) WITH HIGHER GUSTS.

CELIA IS A CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE.

SOME WEAKENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 50 MILES (85 KM) FROM THE CENTER, AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES (220 KM).

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE IS 926 MB (27.34 INCHES).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

NONE.

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