Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins in June and runs through October. So far this season, the Eastern Caribbean and South Florida have remained unscathed as the three of this season’s four named storms moved up the United States’ eastern shore board towards New England.
But don’t count your blessings just yet. Tropical Storm Erika is on the move. According to the National Weather Service, NOAA, at 11 a.m. AST the French government added Guadeloupe to the list of Caribbean islands under a tropical storm warning. Other islands currently under the warning include St. Maarten, St. Barth’s, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kits, Nevis, Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius.
In St. Maarten, John Boyd of Simpson Bay Marina reports that all of the yachts in the marina have moved into the lagoon to ride out the storm.
A tropical storm warning means that within the next 24 hours, the areas in question are likely to experience tropical storm force conditions.
NOAA recommends the Leeward Islands, U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico closely monitor Erika and her movement, stating that tropical storm warnings may be in effect in those areas later today.
At 2 p.m. AST Erika's estimated to be near latitude 16.2 north, longitude 61.1 west, very close to Guadeloupe, and is said to be moving west at around 10 mph. A west-northwest movement is expected to begin later today. Forecasts show Erika moving through the Leeward Islands tonight and tomorrow. Her maximum sustained winds have decreased to around 40 mph with gusts at 65 or higher and she seems to be weakening. Although, she is projected to re-strengthen tomorrow.
Are you in the area? What’s the weather like?