UPDATE: Maria now a hurricane; Dominica now under Hurricane Warning

Maria is now a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. A Hurricane Watch has been upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for Dominica as of 11:00 am.

Dominica remains under Hurricane Warning as of 11:00 am.

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 24 to 36 hours.

A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

At 5:00 pm, was located 13.8°N 57.5°W and moving WNW at 15 mph. Maximum sustained wind is 75 mph.

. On the forecast track, the center of Maria should pass just north of Dominica during the overnight of Monday into early Tuesday as a hurricane. All preparedness activities should be rushed to completion during today.

A deterioration in weather conditions is expected across Dominica by later tonight into early Monday with moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorm and gusty winds up to tropical storm force and higher and rough to dangerous seas. The activity is expected to continue into Tuesday.

Expected rainfall amount for Dominica is between 8 to 10 inches (200 to 250mm) with higher amounts in elevated areas.

· Persons in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks are advised to be extremely vigilant and to exercise extreme caution as life threatening flash flooding and winds gusting to tropical storm force or higher are possible from Monday into Tuesday.

Swells generated by Maria are expected to begin affecting the Lesser Antilles by tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions and coastal flooding.

A Small-Craft Warning and a High-Surf Advisory are in effect for dangerous seas and high winds.

A small-craft Warning means in this case that surface winds greater than 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.

· Mariners and other users of the sea should remain extremely cautious and make all necessary preparation to protect life and property and do not venture out of port. Sea bathers stay out of the water.

The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

 

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8 Comments

  1. The watcher
    September 18, 2017

    My fellow Dominicans do not focus on the storm set your eyes and heart upon The Lord our only refuge from any storm. Remember what don’t kill you will make you stronger.

  2. Jane Gordon-Cumming
    September 18, 2017

    All your friends and relatives in the UK are praying for you!

  3. Kaval
    September 17, 2017

    God will provide .

  4. Roseau River
    September 17, 2017

    Praying for minimal damage from the storm. Stay safe people

  5. FORKIT
    September 17, 2017

    lord help us… we giving away monies we may need

    • Shocked
      September 17, 2017

      You really are a poor excuse for a human being. Ask for minimum damage and no loss of life.

    • Peace
      September 17, 2017

      We are helping those in need.
      Dominica received plenty of Foreign Aid following Erika, we MUST help those who need it now.
      And if we need help after this week, then our neighbours who are able to, will help us.
      This is not the time for Caribbean Islands to be selfish, especially seeing as the USA is in difficulties itself.

    • Expat
      September 17, 2017

      Same could be said of other countries that helped Dominica in the past; they gave money which they might have needed.

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