UPDATE: Irma now a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane packing winds of 180 mph

Hurricane Irma is now a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane with winds of up to 180 mph.

It is a very dangerous hurricane.

Dominica remains under Tropical Storm Warning.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 hours.

At 11am, Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 16.8 degrees north and longitude 58.4 degrees west or about 213 miles east northeast of Dominica or 225 miles east of Antigua and is moving west at 14mph. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 180mph making Irma a potentially catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane. On the forecast track, the center of Irma will move near or over portions of the northern Leeward Islands tonight night and early Wednesday.

Although the center of Irma is expected to pass approximately 160 to 170 miles to the north of Dominica this evening into early Wednesday, a deterioration in conditions is expected with showers, which could be moderate to heavy at times, thunderstorms and gusty winds up to tropical storm force. Dangerous seas are expected to affect Dominica up to Wednesday. Reports indicated that rough sea conditions are already affecting Melville Hall and water is now moving over the sea wall.

A Small-Craft Warning and a High-Surf Advisory are in effect for dangerous seas and high winds. All users of the sea are advised to take all necessary precautions to protect life and property.

A small-craft Warning means in this case that surface winds greater than or equal to 25knots and seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) are already affecting or expected to affect the marine area.

A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses or is expected to pose a threat to life and property within the surf zone.

Expected rainfall amount for Dominica is between 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125mm) with higher amounts in elevated areas.

· Mariners and other users of the sea should remain extremely cautious and do not venture out of port. All sea bathers stay out of the water.

· Persons living along the coast (particularly low-lying areas) should be on the lookout for possible flooding from sea-water intrusion.

· Persons in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks are advised to be extremely vigilant and to exercise extreme caution as flash flooding and winds gusting to tropical storm force are possible today into Wednesday.

· Be on the lookout for fast rising water. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS FLOODED ROAD or WATER-WAYS.

The next Bulletin on Hurricane Irma will be issued by the Meteorological Service at 2p.m.

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10 Comments

  1. Lucas
    September 6, 2017

    Stay safe Dominica & the people in it

  2. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 5, 2017

    Hurricane Irma’s eye looks ferocious and dangerous.
    Keep praying fellow Dominicans.
    God be with you and protect you from this catastrophic Hurricane Irma.
    I am praying too that Dominica will be spared the storm or remnants of Irma.
    May the Leeward Islands and wherever else Irma strikes, be spared her full brunt.

  3. Let's Pray
    September 5, 2017

    As we brace up for Irma and Jose we ask for your protection over our country, because as you know we are still very vulnerable and even more so since Erika. Lord we remember what Erika did to us and this one is twice stronger and dangerous than Erika. We remember your word that says, if your people called by your name would humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, you would hear from heaven and save our land and people. We know our leader continues to do wrong, especially when he disappears in secret and comes back playing cowboy but as a people we ask you to overlook his bad behaviors, though they are many, and protect the people and our nation.

  4. Kara
    September 5, 2017

    I am looking from the uk
    as my parents are due to return to their home at loubire rossaeu.
    Within the next week

    To dominica all stay safe ❤️
    Thank you for the updates xxxx
    Kara UK England x

  5. Dominican in Ldn
    September 5, 2017

    To our dear familes, friends and and others from Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten and the rest of the Leeward islands, you are in our prayers. We have petitioned Our Blessed Mother to intercede for you that this potentially catastrophic hurricane will be diverted away from the islands and that you will remain safe.

    We are praying and will continue to pray and offer petitions for all.

    Stay blessed

  6. Karesaa
    September 5, 2017

    I hope. That hurricane spear all good people and pass close to all criminal entwrpises and cabals

  7. Patricia Kloosterman
    September 5, 2017

    I pray that beautiful Dominica will be spared of this dangerous storm and the good lord will keep my relatives in his embrace.

  8. Dominican Passport
    September 5, 2017

    180? Making Hurricane david look like a breeze :oops:

  9. Emile Dominique
    September 5, 2017

    Thanks DNO for the continued update. It is much appreciated. Let us hope that we will be spared the ravages of Irma. You have been doing a tremendous job on this. Blessings.

  10. Daryl joseph
    September 5, 2017

    Wishing everyone the best and be safe,

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