Residents of the Virgin Islands are being advised to pay close attention and prepare for possible effects of Tropical Storm Fiona, which is expected to affect the territory this weekend.
According to a recent weather advisory from the Department of Disaster Management, the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located near latitude 16.6 degrees North, longitude 53.0 degrees West at 5 o’clock Thursday morning.
The advisory further stated that Fiona is said to be moving toward the west near 13 miles per hour (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue for the next several days. The center of Fiona is predicted to move through the Leeward Islands late Friday and Friday night, and move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend.
Presently tropical storm Fiona’s maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles per hour with higher gusts and slight change in strength is expected during the next few days.
Additionally, the advisory said, “Fiona is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of three to six inches with isolated higher amounts across the northern Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola. These rains may produce flash and urban flooding, along with isolated mudslides in areas of higher terrain.”
Adding that, “Swells generated by Fiona are expected to begin affecting the northern Leeward Islands by early Friday. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.”
At this time there are no watches or warnings in effect but residents are urged to monitor the system closely.