A TROPICAL STORM-WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ST.VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (SVG)
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY TO AFFECT SVG…..IN THE NEXT 48 HOURS.
At 11.00 pm, the centre of Tropical Storm Maria was located 12.5°N 53.7°W or about 440 miles (700km) to the East- Southeast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Maria has become a little better organized this evening, moving west at 16mph (26 km/h) and a slower west- northwest motion is expected during the next 24 hours. Maximum sustained winds have near 50mph (80 km/h) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 millibars…29.59 inches. On its present track, Maria is forecast to strengthen to category1 Hurricane passing about 120miles north-east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday. As storm force winds extend outward up to 45miles (75km) from the centre, instability could begin affecting SVG Sunday night/early Monday with an increase in cloudiness, followed by pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds. Feeder bands are forecast to continue affecting the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday with rainfall accumulations up to 8 inches (200 mm) possible. By Sunday afternoon, light variable winds are expected to increase possibly reaching near gale force 30-38mph (47- 61km/h) by Monday afternoon. Strong westerly to south-westerly winds on Tuesday, decrease by Wednesday as Maria moves away from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Sea swells are expected to rise Sunday afternoon peaking at 4 – 6 meters (13ft -20 ft) by Monday, with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Sea bathers and other users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water during the passage of Maria. A high- surf advisory and small craft warning remain in effect until 12noon Tuesday.
All are urged to be vigilant; persons near rivers, streams and coastline areas prone to flooding and land slippage, should take precautions.
The Saint Vincent Meteorological Services continue to monitor; the next update will be at 6:00 am tomorrow.
Prepared by Joan McDonald