MESSAGE:
Tropical Storm warnings are in effect for Dominica, St.Kitts/Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and Anguilla and a Tropical Storm watch is in effect for the Virgin Islands as of 2.00pm Tuesday, August 21, 2012.
THE SITUATION:
At 200 pm the center of Tropical Depression Nine (9) was located near latitude 15.3 North and longitude 53.2 West. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Tropical Storm warnings are in effect for Dominica, St.Kitts/Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat and Anguilla and a Tropical Storm watch is in effect for the Virgin Islands. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area generally within 48 hours. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the Depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today. The system is moving toward the west near 18 mph(29 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue for the next 48 hours.
PROGNOSIS:
On the forecast track, the system should move through the central lesser Antilles on Wednesday afternoon or evening and emerge over the Eastern Caribbean Sea by Thursday morning. Total rainfall accumulations of four (4) to eight (8) inches are possible over the Northern Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands and with possible one (1) to three (3) inches with maximum amounts of six (6) inches over the Virgin Islands. Storm surge will raise water levels by as much as one (1) to three (3) feet above normal tide levels in the Northern Leeward Islands near the coast. The surge will be accompanied by dangerous waves. Dangerous surf and rip current conditions will affect the Windward and Leeward Islands during the next couple of days
NATIONAL ACTIONS:
The threatened states are on high alert and have initiated pre strike actions as they continue to monitor the system. Residents are being encouraged to make the necessary preparations at this time.
REGIONAL RESPONSE ACTIONS:
The CDEMA CU has made contact with the National Disaster Offices that are in the projected track of Tropical Depression nine (9) and will contiue to monitor and provide updates as necessary.
CONTACT DETAILS: The CDEMA CU 24-hour contact number 1(246) 425 0386