Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for SVG

Monday 18th September 2017 … 5:00 am

Advisory# 11

A Tropical STORM-WATCH remains in effect for ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG)

At 5 am, the centre of Hurricane Maria was near 14.6°N 59.5°W or about 145 miles (233 km) to the north-east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; moving west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h) and this motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through Tuesday night. The centre is expected to pass approximately 135 north east of our islands later today, bringing Maria north of SVG by tonight. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90mph (145km/h) with higher gusts. Minimum central pressure was 977mb or 28.85inches. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km). Rapid strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Maria is expected to become a major hurricane as it moves through the Leeward

Islands.

Pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are already happening across SVG. Rainfall accumulations of 4 – 8 inches (100 – 200 mm) from today through Wednesday are possible, with higher amounts in mountainous areas. Northerly fresh to strong breeze 20 – 30 mph (32 – 50km/h) with higher gusts, should become westerly by today. Then as Maria pulls away from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, southerly flow becomes south-easterly on Wednesday.

Seas across SVG are now expected to peak between 4 – 6 meters (13-20 ft) by Monday, especially on northern coasts of mainland, with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. As Hurricane Maria is projected to be a major hurricane in the Caribbean Sea, northerly and westerly swells are expected across St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday and

Wednesday.

A Flood Warning is in effect until 6:00pm today, Monday 18th, 2017 The High Surf Advisory and Small Craft Warning remains in effect. Sea bathers and other users of the sea should stay out of the water. Persons near rivers, streams and coastline areas prone to flooding and land slippage, should take precautions.

The Saint Vincent Meteorological Services continue to monitor Hurricane MARIA; next update at 8:30am today.

Prepared by Desiree Neverson- Jack