At 1100am the center of tropical storm Maria was located near latitude
14.2 north longitude 57.9 west or about 390 miles south east on the Leeward Islands.
Maria is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph and this motion is
expected to continue during the next 24 to 36 hours. On the present
forecast path the center of Maria will reach the Leeward Islands early Saturday,
and be near the Virgin Islands by Saturday night.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some slight
strengthening is possible during the next 48 hours. Tropical-storm-force
winds extend outward up to 175 miles mainly to the north of the center.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 1003mb. Based upon the
latest forecast path and intensity models, Maria is expected to remain a
tropical storm with the center passing very near or over Dominica by Saturday
morning. However, tropical storm conditions could reach the Leeward Islands early
Friday evening.
Despite the center of Maria projected to pass south of the Leeward
Islands, rain bands associated with the storm will affect the Leeward Islands.
Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches in less than 24 hours could occur between late
Friday night and Saturday evening and hence residents in low lying and flood
prone areas should be prepared to move to higher grounds as moderate flash
flooding is possible.
Mariners should begin to make the necessary precautions to secure
vessels and seek safe anchorage as seas will begin to deteriorate during the
next 24 hours. Seas have started to increase (or deteriorate) and likely will
peak to near 15 feet over the next 24 hours.
All residents are urged to monitor the movement of Maria closely and
take quick action to protect life and property now that a warning has been
issued.
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The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) will continue to monitor the Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster |
