5:00 pm 26th August 2019
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR SAINT LUCIA BUT WITH DORIAN STRENGTHENING HURRICANE CONDITIONS MAY BE EXPECTED AS WELL.
At 5:00 pm today the center of Tropical Storm Dorian was located near latitude 12.7 degrees north, longitude 58.8 degrees west or about 165 miles or 270 kilometers east-southeast of Saint Lucia.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph or 95 km/h, with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Dorian could be near hurricane strength on Tuesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles or 75 kilometers from the center.
Tropical Storm Dorian is moving towards the west-northwest or 290 degrees at 14 mph or 22 km/h. A turn toward the northwest is expected on Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Dorian is expected to pass near Saint Lucia tonight, and move over the eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday.
A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for Saint Lucia, Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A Tropical storm watch is in effect for Dominica, Martinique, Grenada and its Dependencies, Saba, St. Eustatius and Puerto Rico.
Dorian is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 8 inches (75 to 200 mm), with possible isolated maximum amounts of 10 inches (250 mm) along its path. Flooding and landslides are likely during the passage of this storm and residents and motorists in areas prone to these hazards are advised to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions.
Swells generated by Dorian will be affecting portions of the Lesser Antilles tonight and tomorrow. Small craft around Saint Lucia are strongly advised to remain in port. Residents are also advised to stay away from beaches and coastal areas.
Repeating the 5 pm position of Tropical Storm Dorian, latitude 12.7 degrees north, longitude 58.8 degrees west or about 165 miles or 270 kilometers east-southeast of Saint Lucia.
The next advisory will be issued at 8:00 Pm.
Thomas Auguste
Meteorologist
Saint Lucia Meteorological Services