At 5 AM , the center of Hurricane Jose was located near latitude 17.5 North, longitude 60.3 West or about 150 miles north northeast of Dominica. Jose is now at its closest point to Dominica. It is 190 miles east southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Jose is moving a bit slower toward the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 km/h) away from Dominica. A continued west-northwest to northwest motion is expected during the next couple of days. The center of Jose is now just east of Barbuda. Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher gusts. Jose is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuation in intensity, up or down, could occur during the next 24 hours. Afterwards, a gradual weakening is expected to occur. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).
The Flood watch for Dominica was discontinued at 5am. Some rainfall still expected due to unstable conditions as a result of Jose. Therefore, residents are advised to be vigilant. However, Rough seas are expected during today with waves peaking near 14.0 feet. A small craft warning and a high surf advisory remains in effect for Dominica. All users of the sea and persons living near the coast are advised to take all the necessary precautions to protect life and property. A gradual improvement in sea conditions can be expected by tonight.
The season is not over and we cannot let our guards down nor get complacent. The season is expected to be an above average season and it is not over yet so we cannot afford to take any chances. We know how vulnerable we are in Dominica and we saw the damage done by Irma to our neighbours so we have to prepare for the worst and hope and pray for the best. Another tropical wave will be approaching Dominica by Monday next week and there is another tropical wave just coming off the African coast and showing signs of development.
Click here for more information or call the Weather Hotline at: 447 – 5555.
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