28 Jul 2020 | 08:16 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Meteorologists issue tropical storm warnings for Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico due to potential tropical cyclone July 28
Tropical storm warnings issued for Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico on July 28 as potential tropical cyclone expected to strengthen; strong winds, heavy rain, and associated disruptions possible in the coming days
Event
On Tuesday, July 28, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) issued tropical storm warnings and watches for the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico due to a storm system approaching the islands. As of 14:00 AST on Tuesday, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine was located 820 km (510 mi) east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and traveling west at 37 kph (23 mph), carrying winds of 65 kph (40 mph). The storm system is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm before it reaches the Leeward Islands on Wednesday, July 29. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the following islands:
- Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra
- US Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla
- Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy
- Saba and St. Eustatius
- St. Martin
- Dominica
A tropical storm watch has also been issued for the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the northern border with Haiti. The NHC has stressed that since the system is still in the formative stage both the short- and long-term track is uncertain at present. Current forecasts suggest the system will pass through the area of the aforementioned islands on Wednesday and Thursday, July 30, before moving on towards Cuba, the Bahamas, and possibly Florida by the end of the week.
The storm system is forecast to bring heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in the coming days. Associated disruptions to transport and business are also expected.
Advice
Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, 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.
