…A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN……
A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
…A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
DATE ISSUED: Friday, September 20, 2019
TIME ISSUED: 05:30 AM (09:30 UTC)
…HURRICANE JERRY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE HEAVY RAINS OVER ST. MAARTEN AS IT
PASSES NORTH OF THE ISLAND LATER TODAY…
Location: Lat. 18.4 N, Lon. 58.7 W
About: 290 miles…465 km E of St. Maarten
Maximum sustained winds: 105 mph…165 km/h
Present Movement: WNW…290 degrees at 16 mph…26 km/h
Minimum Central Pressure: 981 mb…28.97 inches
DISCUSSION AND 24-HOUR OUTLOOK
Hurricane Jerry continues to move towards the west-northwest. A west-northwest to northwest motion at a decreasing forward speed is expected over the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of Jerry is expected to pass approximately 140 miles to the north-northeast of St. Maarten tonight. Effects of Jerry will begin on St. Maarten today.
Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 km/h) with higher gusts. A gradual weakening is forecast to begin later today, but Jerry is expected to remain a hurricane during the next few days.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km). Residents and the general public should put plans in place and continue to be alert and monitor the progress of Jerry. The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor and issue special weather bulletins.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS FOR ST. MAARTEN:
Rainfall: Jerry is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 1 to 4 inches. Increasing cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms are expected as the day progress. Flooding and/or rock slides are expected in
flood-prone areas and along hillsides. Residents and users of these areas are advised to be vigilant.
Winds: Gusty winds could accompany showers Friday through Saturday.
Seas: Swells up to 13 feet are possible during the passage of Hurricane Jerry, mainly along the northern and eastern shores. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Beach erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. Sea-bathers are advised to stay away from the sea during the passage of Jerry.
