Advisory no.1: Tropical storm warning for St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Issued: 12:00noon Thursday, 17th August 2017

A Tropical Storm-Warning is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The low pressure area east of the Lesser Antilles has the potential to become a Tropical Cyclone later today or tonight. The system is moving toward the West near 17mph (28km/h) and this motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days. The disturbance should move through the Windward Islands, with the center crossing our island SVG and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday.

This afternoon, an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the approaching area (disturbance). At 11:00 a.m, the centre is near 13.1N 54.1 W or 470 miles (760 km) east of SVG. Maximum sustained winds are near 35mph (55 Km/h) with higher gust. Minimum central pressure of 1008mb…..29.77 inches.

Squally conditions with moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and thunderstorm activity with gusty winds could move across St. Vincent and the Grenadines this evening into Friday. Favorable upper level pattern across the islands could result in enhancement of this system which has a high (80-90%) chance of becoming a tropical storm as it crosses our area. Tropical storm conditions are possible overnight into early Friday, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Sustained winds of 34 to 63knots (39 to 73mph/63 to 118km/h) are possible across our area within the next 6 to 9 hours.

Rainfall accumulations of 4-5inches (100-125mm) can be expected, with higher amounts over mountainous terrain. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Marine conditions are expected to become moderate to rough on Friday with sea swells increasing to  2.0 m - 2.5m (7-8 feet).

Instability is expected to linger Saturday into Sunday with some showers as the second area of low pressure with a medium 50-60% chance for development, passes just north of the Lesser Antilles on a west- northwest track away from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible across St. Vincent and the Grenadines within 24-36 hours.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is now under Tropical Storm warning.