17 Sep 2022 | 01:46 AM UTC
Caribbean Sea: Tropical Storm Fiona tracking westward as of late Sept. 16 /update 2
Tropical Storm Fiona tracks westward in Caribbean Sea after making landfall over Guadeloupe late Sept. 16; approach to St. Croix Sept. 17.
Event
Tropical Storm Fiona is tracking westward in the Caribbean Sea after making landfall over Guadeloupe late Sept. 16. As of 20:00 AST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 25 km (15 miles) north-northwest of Guadeloupe.
Forecast models indicate the system will strengthen slightly as it tracks west-northwestward through the Leeward Islands late Sept. 16. The system is then forecast to make a close approach to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Sept. 17 before passing to the south of Puerto Rico early Sept. 18. Fiona is subsequently likely to slightly strengthen as it turns northwestward before making landfall over the Dominican Republic Sept. 18. After passing over the Dominican Republic Sept. 19, the storm is then forecast to exit into the southern North Atlantic Ocean and make another landfall over the Turks and Caicos Islands Sept. 20. Fiona is likely to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by Sept. 21 after passing over the Turks and Caicos Islands. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of 20:00 AST Sept. 16, authorities had issued tropical storm warnings and watches for the following locations:
Tropical Storm Warning
Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and Anguilla
Saba and St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Guadeloupe, St. Barthelemy, and St. Martin
Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra
US Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Tropical Storm Watch
Dominica
South coast of Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano westward to Barahona
North coast of the Dominican Republic From Cabo Engano westward to Cabo Frances Viejo.
Officials could issue new warnings and/or watches in response to the developing system in the coming hours.
Forecast models predict rainfall accumulations of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) across the Leeward Islands and northern Windward Islands; 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) across the British and US Virgin Islands; 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) across the Turks and Caicos Islands and Puerto Rico, with maximum totals of 30 cm (12 inches) across eastern and southern Puerto Rico; 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 inches) in Haiti, with isolated maximum totals of 13 cm (5 inches); and 15-25 cm (6-10 inches), with localized maximums of 40 cm (16 inches), in the Dominican Republic. The heavy rainfall could produce considerable flood impacts in the affected areas, including flash and urban flooding as well as landslides over higher terrain. Storm surge and consequent localized coastal flooding are possible along the coasts of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands over the coming days.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm or hurricane conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
