Tropical Storm Elsa strengthens as it moves towards the Windward Islands

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours. 

At 11 am, the centre of Tropical Storm Elsa was located near latitude 10.1° north; longitude 51.4° west,  or approximately 680 miles (1095 kilometers) east southeast of the Windward Islands. The system is moving towards the west near 28 mph (44 km/h). An even faster motion to the west-northwest is  expected over the next 24 to 36 hours. On its present forecast track, the center of the system is predicted  to pass near or over portions of the Windward Islands or the southern Leeward Islands on Friday.  

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional  strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to  90 miles (150 km), mainly to the north of the center. 

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 mb (29.71 inches). 

Rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches (75 to 150 mm) can be expected across the Windward and  southern Leeward Islands, with higher amount over mountainous terrains. This rainfall could cause life threatening flash floods and mudslides. 

In addition, marine conditions are expected to become rough to very rough on Friday with sea swells  increasing to 3.5 to 5.0 meters (12 to 16 feet).  

Residents are advised to make the necessary preparations and keep updated on the progress of Tropical  Storm Elsa. 

For information being issued by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services  visit, http://www.meteo.gov.vc/ or follow us on Facebook via, https://facebook.com/svgweather To join our email list, send a request to svgmet@gmail.com