PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR ST. MAARTEN | THE DAILY HERALD

VALID UNTIL: Sunday morning (06:00 LST) September 18, 2022

…A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
…A SMALL CRAFT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…
…A FLOOD ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…

WEATHER: Today through Sunday morning: Generally cloudy to overcast and windy with scattered showers and thunderstorms.

Forecast High: 28°C / 82°F             Forecast Low: 24°C / 75°F

Sunset Today: 6:12 P.M.                Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:00 A.M.

SURFACE WINDS: Today through Sunday morning: East northeasterly to southeasterly with strong winds of 20 to 32 mph and higher gusts.

SYNOPSIS: Tropical storm Fiona is currently affecting the Lesser Antilles. The system will cause moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds across the local area. These showers will cause flooding and possible rock falls, therefore a flood advisory has been issued for St. Maarten. People in areas prone to flooding and rock slides should take the necessary precautions.
Hazardous sea conditions are expected with swells peaking at 15 feet. Therefore, a small craft warning will remain in effect for St. Maarten until further notice. Small craft operators and sea bathers are advised to stay out of the water until further notice.
The public and in particular residents in areas prone to flooding or near the coast should remain vigilant and monitor the updates from the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management.

STATE OF THE SEA:  Rough to very rough   WAVES/SWELLS: 9 to 15 feet   

SPECIAL FEATURE: At 5:00 AM (0900 UTC), the center of tropical storm Fiona was located near latitude 16.4 North, longitude 63.3 West or about 110 miles south of St. Maarten.
Fiona is moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h). On its present forecast track, the center of Fiona is currently at its closest to St. Maarten. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts.

The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor this system and keep the public updated on impacts.

OUTLOOK through Monday morning: Generally cloudy to overcast and windy with scattered showers and thunderstorms.

FORECASTER: Albert

The next weather forecast will be issued today at 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC).