At 500pm the center of Tropical Storm Maria was Located near latitude 14.8 north longitude 58.6 west. Maria is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph and this motion is expected to continue during the next day or so. On The forecast track the center of Maria will reach the Leeward Islands tonight and Saturday and be near the Virgin Islands by Saturday night.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is possible during the next 48 hours.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles mainly to the northeast of the center.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 MB
Wind – Tropical Storm conditions are expected to reach the Lesser Antilles this evening then spread northwestward over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Saturday and Saturday night.
Rainfall – Maria is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 10 inches over the Virgin Islands.
Storm Surge – Storm Surge will raise water levels by as much as 1 to 2 feet above normal tide levels along the immediate coast within the warning area. Near the coast the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
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The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) will continue to monitor the system and provide updates accordingly. Please visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe to our notification link to receive further updates. 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. |
