…A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
…A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…
WEATHER: Today through Thursday morning: Cloudy to overcast and windy with scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 29°C / 84°F Forecast Low: 22°C / 72°F
Sunset Today: 6:48 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:50 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
Today through Thursday morning: Northeast to southeast with a strong breeze to tropical storm force winds of 25 to 48 mph and higher gusts.
SYNOPSIS:
Cloudiness, showers, thunderstorms and strong winds associated with Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine will affect the local area today. Conditions will deteriorate as the day progresses. Storm force winds and 2 to 4 inches of rainfall are expected as the system moves across the Leeward Islands. Residents and users of areas prone to flooding and/or rock falls should take the necessary precautions as moderate to heavy showers are expected.
Sea conditions are expected to peak near 15 feet. Consequently, a small craft warning is in effect for St. Maarten until further notice. Small craft operators and sea bathers should avoid open waters. Residents and users of coastal areas should take the necessary precaution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Rough to very rough WAVES/SWELLS: 9 to 15 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 5 AM (0900 UTC), Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine was centered near latitude 15.3 North, longitude 61.3 West or about 230 miles southeast of St. Maarten. The system is moving toward the west northwest near 23 mph (37 km/h). This general motion with some slight reduction in forward speed is expected over the next few days. On the forecast track, the center will move through the southern Leeward Islands during the next few hours. The system is forecast to be at its closest at about 135 miles southwest of St. Maarten this afternoon.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast today and weakening on Thursday.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of this system and keep the public updated accordingly.
OUTLOOK through Friday morning: Cloudy and windy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
FORECASTER: Albert
