The Antigua Meteorological Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Virgin Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when tropical storm conditions are expected in a specific area within 36 hours or less. The Antigua Meteorological Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the Virgin Islands.
At 800am the center of tropical storm Maria was located near latitude 14.0 north longitude 56.9west 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 40 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.
Next Advisory will be issued at 11AM
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. |
