Virgin Islands Under Tropical Storm Warning as Potential Cyclone Approaches

The Virgin Islands have been placed under a Tropical Storm Warning as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five approaches, raising concerns about strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous coastal conditions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has indicated that tropical storm conditions are expected to impact the region within the next 36 hours, with the storm’s effects likely to be felt as early as Tuesday night.

The disturbance’s current trajectory suggests it will pass through the Leeward Islands tonight or Tuesday before moving closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday night. Afterward, it is expected to shift away from Puerto Rico over the Western Atlantic by mid-week.

The NHC has assigned a high probability (90%) that the system will develop into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, with the same likelihood over the next seven days. The estimated minimum central pressure is currently 1010 mb (29.83 inches).

The latest update from the NHC at 11:00 AM AST reported that the disturbance is currently centered near latitude 15.1 N and longitude 55.6 W, moving west at a speed of approximately 26 mph. A shift towards the west-northwest is expected, with a slight decrease in forward speed over the coming days. Maximum sustained winds have reached 35 mph, with stronger gusts. The disturbance is likely to strengthen, potentially developing into a tropical depression later today or tonight, and further intensifying into a tropical storm as it continues its course.

The NHC has issued several key warnings and predictions related to the storm:

• Rainfall: The Virgin Islands can expect 4 to 6 inches of rain, which may lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
• Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing sustained winds and potentially dangerous gusts.
• Storm Surge: Cyclonic swells could elevate coastal water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal, creating hazardous waves and dangerous surf conditions.

Residents of the Virgin Islands are urged to make necessary preparations and stay informed through local weather updates as the storm approaches.

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