WEATHER UPDATE: Unsettled weather across Dominica today

Rain bands from Tropical Storm Emily will continue to produce some unsettled weather conditions across the islands of the Eastern Caribbean during the next 24 hours.

At 5 am the center of Tropical Storm Emily was located near latitude 15.5N longitude 64.0W or about 176 miles west north west of Dominica.  Emily is moving toward the west near 16 mph…/26km/h.  A gradual turn toward the west northwest and a gradual decrease in forward speed are expected during the next 48 hours.

On the forecast track the center of Emily will move across the northeastern Caribbean Sea today and approach the island of Hispaniola tonight and Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph…65 km/h with higher gusts.  Some slow strengthening is possible over the next day or so until Emily interacts with Land.  Estimated minimal central pressure is 1006 mb…29.71 inches.

Tropical storm warning remains in effect for Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.  Tropical storm watch remains in effect for the Leeward Islands and the U.S Virgin Islands.

Rain bands into Emily will continue to produce some pockets of light to moderate showers and isolated thunderstorms over Dominica and the rest of the island chain today.  Residents in areas prone to flooding and mudslides should continue to be vigilant as soils have become saturated due to accumulated rainfall.

Sea conditions will continue to remain above normal untill the system moves out of the area. As a result small craft operators and sea bathers should continue to exercise caution.