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TROPICAL STORM ISAAC FORMS

TROPICAL STORM ISAAC FORMS

August 21, 20121196Views

A
reconnaissance plane investigating tropical depression nine has found winds to
tropical storm force. Therefore, the National Hurricane Center has upgraded the
depression to tropical storm Isaac. At 5pm, Isaac was centered near
15.4N/53.9W, or about 490 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Movement is to the
west at 17 mph. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 45 miles to the
northeast of the center. There is no change to the forecast track. Isaac should
track into the eastern Caribbean near the island of Dominica tomorrow afternoon
as a Tropical Storm with winds of 45-55 mph. Thereafter; a west to
west-northwest track will take the center toward south-central Cuba at day 5 of
the forecast.

 

Expected impacts on land

Lesser Antilles including St.
Lucia: 
The first squalls from the system are likely to move through the
area late tonight or early Wednesday and last through midday Thursday. Tropical
storm force winds and heavy rain are possible for the Leeward Islands, from
Dominica through Anguilla. In Martinique and St. Lucia, winds are likely to
remain well below tropical storm intensity. However, some squalls may occur
Wednesday through early Thursday with gusts to 50 mph. The southernmost squalls
may extend as far south as Trinidad.

Virgin Islands and Puerto
Rico: 
Occasional heavy squalls are expected to begin late Wednesday
evening and continue through late Thursday or early Friday. Wind gusts of 55
mph to 65 mph possible in the heavier squalls.

Dominican Republic: Tropical
Storm conditions are likely and hurricane conditions are possible for the
southern coast late Thursday night through Friday afternoon. Heavy rainfall is
likely throughout the island of Hispaniola.

Expected Impacts Offshore

Eastern Caribbean: Tropical
storm force winds are likely for the eastern Caribbean Sea Wednesday evening
through Thursday. Wind gusts up to 70 mph will be possible in the heavier
squalls.

 

The public is again reminded that we are almost in the peak of the 2012
hurricane season.  Any loose items or material in residential areas,
persons’ yards and on construction sites should be secured immediately. Hazard
Inspectors, appointed under the Disaster Management Act, 2003, shall be on
standby to investigate and advise on areas where debris needs to be secured to
avoid them becoming projectiles and missiles during storms, thus creating a
greater risk to life and property.

The DDM will continue to monitor all systems and
provide updated weather releases. Please visit the Department of Disaster
Management’s website at
www.bviddm.com for continuously updated information.

 

 

Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management
(DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by
the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or
contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be
used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no
means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses
this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any
decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.