NATIONAL OFFICE OF DISASTER SERVICES

Antigua and Barbuda is now under a hurricane watch as weather officials keep an eye on Tropical Storm Maria.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.  A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

At 5:00 pm, the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located near latitude 12.3 North, longitude 52.6 West. Maria is moving toward the west near 20 mph (31 km/h).

A slower west-northwest motion is expected during the next couple of days.

Additional strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours, and Maria is forecast to be a hurricane when it approaches the Leeward Islands early next week. Along with Antigua and Barbuda, a hurricane watch is also in place for St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat.

Residents of Antigua and Barbuda are advised to put hurricane preparations in place ahead of the weather system and stay tuned to the media for further updates.

Emergency supplies should include battery-operated radio, lamp, search light, extra batteries, canned and dry foods, water, special infant needs and adequate prescription medicine.

With regards to properties, board up or install shutters, secure doors, lower television and radio antennae, remove loose objects from the yard and patio, prune dead or dying trees, tie down any large objects that cannot be brought indoors. Also, store as much drinking water as possible in clean closed containers, keep your vehicle filled with gas and have extra cash on hand. Personal papers and other important documents should be stored in a waterproof container and kept nearby.

Residents are reminded that the hurricane season ends on November 30th, and every effort should be made to be in a state of readiness at this time.

5:00 pm Advisory for September 16th, 2017

Bulletin
Tropical Storm Maria Advisory Number 2
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL152017
500 PM AST Sat Sep 16 2017
...DEPRESSION BECOMES TROPICAL STORM MARIA...
...ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST...
SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...12.3N 52.6W
ABOUT 620 MI...1000 KM ESE OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 275 DEGREES AT 20 MPH...31 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS

Changes With This Advisory:
The government of Antigua has issued a Hurricane Watch for Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat.

Summary of Watches and Warnings in Effect:

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for

Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for

St. Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

Interests elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of this system. Additional Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watches will likely be issued tonight or early Sunday.

For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.

Discussion and 48-Hour Outlook

At 500 PM AST (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located near latitude 12.3 North, longitude 52.6 West. Maria is moving toward the west near 20 mph (31 km/h). A slower west-northwest motion is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, Maria is expected to approach the Leeward Islands on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours, and

Maria is forecast to be a hurricane when it approaches the Leeward Islands early next week.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).

Hazards Affecting Land

Wind: Hurricane conditions are possible within the hurricane watch area by Monday night or Tuesday, with tropical storm conditions possible on Monday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in the tropical storm watch area on Monday.

Storm Surge: A dangerous storm surge accompanied by large and destructive waves will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels within the hurricane watch area.

Rainfall: Maria is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches across portions of the central and southern Leeward Islands through Tuesday night. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches will be possible for portions of the northern Leeward Islands through Tuesday night. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Surf: Swells generated by Maria are expected to begin affecting the Lesser Antilles by Sunday night. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.