28 Aug 2019 | 01:09 AM UTC
US: Hurricane watch in effect for Puerto Rico August 27 /update 1
Officials issue Hurricane watch for Puerto Rico on August 27 as Tropical Storm Dorian moves through the Caribbean; Dorian to pass over Puerto Rico on August 28, possibly as a hurricane
Event
A Hurricane watch is in effect for Puerto Rico as of 20:00 (local time) on Tuesday, August 27, as Tropical Storm Dorian continues moving towards the island. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Dorian is forecast to slowly strengthen as it moves through the Caribbean Sea towards Puerto Rico. The storm may reach hurricane strength before passing over western and central Puerto Rico on Wednesday, August 28 (map here). Rainfall totals are forecast between 10-15 cm (4-6 in) across the island and up to 20 cm (8 in) in isolated areas. Dorian is also expected to bring strong winds and dangerous swells, particularly along the southern coast.
As of 20:00 on Tuesday, Dorian is located approximately 480 km (300 mi) southeast of Ponce. The storm is moving west-northwest at 20 kph (13 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph (50 mph). Flooding and damaging winds are possible across Puerto Rico through Wednesday. Associated transportation and business disruptions, as well as power outages, are also expected.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
