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 500am the center of tropical storm Maria was located near latitude
13.8 north longitude 56.2 west or about 460 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 are 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 Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster |
