Tropical Storm Watch upgraded to Tropical Storm Warning for SVG 

The Tropical Storm Watch has now been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are imminent within the warning area, generally within 36 hours. 

At 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 25, Tropical Storm ‘Dorian’ was centered near 11.5 North 54.2 West or about 480 miles (approx. 770km) east-southeast of St. Vincent. Maximum sustained winds are now near 50 mph (85km/h) with movement towards the west (280 degrees) at 14 mph (22km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 1003mb (29.62 inches).

A general westward motion is expected to continue today with a turn toward the west-northwest on Monday. On its present forecast track, the center of the system is expected to pass near or over St. Vincent early Tuesday morning.

Sustained surface winds between 58 to 70 mph (93 to 113km/h) with higher gusts are expected to spread across St. Vincent and the Grenadines early Tuesday morning, persisting into the afternoon. In addition, pockets of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the islands from early Tuesday morning.

Rainfall accumulations of at least 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125 mm) are possible with isolated higher amounts. As a result, some flash-flooding are likely in low-lying areas. Residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.

Large easterly to south-easterly swells of 2.5 to 3.5m (8 to 12ft) are also forecast to accompany the system. Low-lying coastlines around the islands will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide. Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen.

Consequently, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning will be in effect from 12 noon Monday 26th August 2019 until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, 27th August 2019.

Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water. A Small-craft Warning means that, in this case, mean wind-speeds of 50 to 60 knots (93 to 113km/h) and/or seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) will be affecting the marine area.

A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. High Tides are expected around: 1:27 am and 1:37 pm on Monday and 2:20 am and 2:24 pm on Tuesday.

The next Advisory will be at 11 pm today, Sunday, 25th August 2019.