TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT AS TS TAMMY APPROACHES
The Government of Dominica has issued a tropical storm watch for Dominica.
This as Tropical Storm Tammy has strengthened as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.
At 2:00 PM this afternoon, the center of Tropical Storm Tammy was located near latitude 13.5 North, longitude 56.4 West. Tammy is moving toward the west near 14 mph .
On the forecast track, the center of Tammy will move near or over the Leeward Islands Friday and Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next few days, and Tammy is forecast to be at or near hurricane intensity when it moves near the Leeward Islands.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) primarily to the east of the center.
Key messages for Tammy
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected within the tropical storm warning area beginning Friday. Hurricane conditions are possible in portions of the Leeward Islands Friday night and Saturday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the tropical storm watch area beginning on Friday.
RAINFALL: Through Sunday, Tammy is expected to produce storm total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches, across portions of the northern Windward and Leeward Islands.
Weather update from the Dominica Met Office as of 2:00 pm Thursday October 19 2023
An area of moisture ahead of Tropical Storm Tammy can be expected to result in an increase in cloudiness, scattered showers and possible thunderstorms across the island later today.
At 11am, Tropical Storm Tammy was located about 395 miles east southeast of Dominica and a Tropical Storm Watch remains in place. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours. Tammy is moving west at about 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 60mph with higher gusts. On this track, Tammy is expected to approach the area by Friday afternoon into Saturday.
This system has the potential to bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall and flooding to portions of the Lesser Antilles beginning Friday.
A deterioration in sea conditions can also be expected by Tonight and gradually become worse into the weekend and a small craft warning and a high surf advisory is now in place. Residents are advised to make all the necessary preparations to protect life and property and to stay tuned for updated information provided by the Met Office.