At 5:00AM the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located near latitude 16.0 north…longitude 60.2 west or 425 miles ESE of Puerto Rico.
Maria is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph. This general motion is expected to continue tonight with a gradual turn toward the northwest expected on Saturday.
On the forecast track, tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the Virgin Islands later today
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Maria remains disorganized. Some strengthening is expected as it moves over the Atlantic.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles mainly to the northeast of the center.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb.
Maria has a large associated cloud mass stretching several hundred miles east of its centre and is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 10 inches over the islands during its passage. Because of expected heavy rain the flashflood warning is extended through 4 pm Saturday. Residents in low lying and flood prone areas should move to higher ground and safer location. Residents near slopes should guard against mudslides
Mariners should complete safe anchorage. Seas are deteriorating rapidly and will peak near 15 feet in the next 24 hours as the storm draws near.
All residents are urged to rush preparedness to completion and monitor the movement of Maria closely and act to protect life and property.
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. |
