Location…17.9N
63.5W
About 25 miles WSW of St. Martin
About 85 miles e of St. Croix
Maximum sustained winds…50 mph
Present movement…n or at 12 mph
Minimum central pressure…1004 mb
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the British
Virgin Islands A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions
are expected somewhere within the warning area in this case within the next 12
to 24 hours. A tropical storm watch means that Tropical Storm conditions are possible
within the watch area.
At 800 pm the center of Tropical Storm Rafael was
located near latitude 17.9 north longitude 63.5 west. Rafael is moving
generally toward the north near 12 mph. A northward motion is expected tonight
followed by a turn toward the north- northwest on Sunday. On the forecast track
the center of Rafael should pass near or over the Virgin Islands and the
northern Leeward Islands during the next several hours. Data from an air force
reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds remain
near 50 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48
hours and Rafael could become a hurricane by late Monday.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175
miles mainly to the southeast of the center.
St. Martin recently reported a wind gust of 40 mph.
The latest minimum central pressure measured by the
aircraft was 1004 mb. St. Martin recently reported a pressure of 1004 mb.
Hazards affecting land
———————-
Rainfall- Rafael is expected to produce total
rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 10 inches
over the Lesser Antilles the Virgin Islands. Rains could cause life-threatening
flash floods and mudslides. Especially in areas of mountainous terrain.
Wind – Tropical storm conditions will continue to
spread across the warning area tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible
over Puerto Rico tonight and Sunday.
Surf – dangerous surf conditions are possible in the
Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands through Sunday.
Storm surge – A storm surge of 1 to 2 feet above
normal tide levels is possible in areas of onshore flow in the warning area.
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is
currently monitoring the system and will provide updates accordingly. Please
visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for future 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
legal evidence or in justification of any decision
which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
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.