The Antigua Meteorological Service of Antigua has issued a
Tropical Storm Watch for the Virgin Islands.
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm or
developing tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to the specified
area within 48 hours.
At 11 pm the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located near
latitude 13.3 north, longitude 54.6 west or about 657 miles southeast of the
Virgin Islands.
Maria is moving toward the west at 21 miles per hour. This
general motion is expected to continue during the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts.
Tropical storm force winds extend up to 175 miles to the
north of the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb.
Based upon the latest forecast track, 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 Saturday morning. Hence, tropical storm watches currently in place for Antigua
and Barbuda and the other leeward islands could be upgraded to warnings by as
early as Friday morning.
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. Flash Flooding is possible.
Mariners should stay in port and seek safe anchorage. Seas
have started to increase (or deteriorate) and likely will peak to near 12 feet
in the next 24 hours.
All residents are urged to monitor the movement of Maria
closely and be prepared to take quick action to protect life and property in
the very likely event that a warning is issued.
Repeating the 11pm position, 13.3n, 54.6w. Movement toward
the west near 21 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph. The minimum
central pressure is 1005mb.
The DDM will continue
to provide updates where necessary. Please visit the DDM’s website at
www.bviddm.com and subscribe to our notification link.
