Published 18 September 2017
Buckke Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Maria is a category 4 hurricane
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR SAINT LUCIA.
At 5:00 pm today, the centre of Hurricane Maria was near latitude 15.1 north, longitude 60.7 west, or 72 miles or 116 km north of Saint Lucia. Maria is moving toward the west-northwest near 9 mph or 15 km/h. On the forecast track, the centre of Maria is expected to move across the northern Windward Islands during the next few hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph or 215 km/h with higher gusts. Additional rapid strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Hurricane Maria is expected to be an extremely dangerous major hurricane during the next couple of days.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles or 35 km
From the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles or 205 km.
Outerbands of Maria will continue to produce heavy showers, gusty winds and thunderstorms over Saint Lucia through the night.
Rough seas generated by Hurricane Maria will continue to affect Saint Lucia with waves and swells 13 to 17 feet or 4.0 to 5.2 metres for the next 24 hours.
Small craft operators and local fishermen are strongly advised to remain in port and residents are also advised to stay away from the beaches.
Persons living in areas prone to flooding and landslides are advised to continue to exercise vigilance.
Residents of Saint Lucia and the rest of the Windward and Leeward Islands are asked to closely monitor the progress of this system.
Repeating the 5:00 pm. Position of Hurricane Maria, latitude 15.1 north, longitude 60.7 west or 72 miles or 116 km north of Saint Lucia.
The next advisory will be issued at 8:00 pm today.
