Caribbean: Tropical Storm Isaac approaching the Lesser Antilles /update 1

Event

Tropical Storm Isaac was - as of 11:00 (local time) on Wednesday, September 12 - located approximately 675 km (420 mi) east of Martinique and moving in a westerly direction. According to the US-based National Hurricane Center, Isaac is currently forecast to continue moving west before making landfall in the central Lesser Antilles - potentially Dominica - around noon on Thursday, subsequently affecting neighboring Guadeloupe and Martinique; all three islands are under tropical storm warnings. Lower tropical storm watches are also in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saba, and Saint Eustatius. The storm will likely then continue to move west, passing to the south of Puerto Rico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.

Isaac is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph) and is set to bring heavy rain with the potential to cause life-threatening flooding to these areas. Up to 20 cm (8 in) of rain is forecast for parts of Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe

Associated transportation, power, and telecommunication disruptions are to be anticipated in the above areas in the coming days. A number of airlines, including LIAT, have already canceled flights scheduled for September 12-13.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the largest concentration of storms typically occurring between August and October. Researchers predicted a slightly below-average hurricane season for 2018.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to closely follow local weather forecasts and adhere to any advice issued by local authorities.