Isaac expected to bring tropical storm conditions to portions of The Lesser Antilles
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is currently under Tropical Storm watch as TS Isaac approaches the island.
A press release from the Meteorological Department states that TS Isaac was located at at5 pm the center of tropical storm Isaac was located near latitude 15.4 North Longitude 56.6 West or about 470 Miles East Southeast of St. Maarten.
Isaac Is Moving Toward The West, Near 20 Mph (31 Km/H). This General Motion With Some Decrease In Forward Speed Is Expected To Continue Through The Weekend.
On This Forecast Track, Isaac Is Expected To Move Across The Lesser Antilles And Into The Caribbean Sea On Thursday. Based On The 5:00 Pm Forecast Track Isaac Is Expected To Be At Its Closest Point From St. Maarten At Approximately 150 Miles Away Late Thursday Night.
Maximum Sustained Winds Are Near 60 Mph 95 Km/H...With Higher Gusts. Some Weakening Is Forecast During The Next 48 Hours.
Tropical Storm Force Winds Extend Outward Up To 175 Miles From The Center. The Estimated Minimum Central Pressure Is 1003 Mb...29.62 Inches.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS:
Based on the above information, the expected impacts on St. Maarten are as follows:
Seas: Sea conditions will begin to deteriorate tonight with waves peaking near 8ft and will further deteriorate Thursday through Friday up to 10 feet. Some coastal flooding is possible as the surge will be accompanied by large waves. The necessary precaution should be taken to protect life and property along the coast.
Winds: Winds are expected to increase later tonight up 25kts (30mph) with higher gusts near showers and through Thursday up to 40kts (45mph) with higher gusts. Winds that may make using an umbrella difficult, cause twigs to break off trees or loose light objects could be blown away.
Rainfall: Rainfall accumulation of less than 2 inches is expected over St. Maarten in association with Isaac. Occasional showers are expected tonight as pockets of moisture from the outer band moves across the island chain. Isolated showers and possible thunderstorms can be expected over our local area Thursday as Isaac makes its way into the Caribbean Sea. Some of these showers may be heavy and may cause minor flooding in areas prone to flooding.
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/30076-a-tropical-storm-watch-is-in-effect-for-st-maarten-isaac-is-moving-rapidly-westward.html
