BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-THOUGH Tropical Storm Henri has gained some strength over the past 24 hours, the storm is expected to pass safely north of the Leeward Islands tomorrow or Friday (Oct. 8-9).
According to the latest information from the National Hurricane Centre of the United States, which disseminates information to the Caribbean and Latin America, Henri is currently located near “latitude 18.1 north...longitude 56.1 west or about 460 miles...740 km...east of the northern leeward islands”.
The storm is currently headed in a west-northwest direction at roughly 14 miles per hour and is expected to continue on this track for the next few days.
The Antigua Meteorological Office said that “Henri is expected to be a short-lived tropical cyclone and could weaken to a remnant low by Thursday”.
“Regardless of its eventual lifespan, on its present track, the centre of Henri and the associated strong winds are expected to pass a safe distance to the north of the Leeward Islands,” the release also stated.
Though persons within the Leeward Islands are expected to remain safe from the strongest elements of the storm, seafaring vessels have been advised to take adequate precautions.
“While storm winds are not expected, seas are deteriorating and waves will likely exceed seven (7) feet by Thursday. Small craft operators should remain near port until the system exits the area,” the Antigua Met Office advised.
Some showers and thunderstorms may pass over the Leeward Islands as Henri moves through the area, and the general public is being advised to continue monitoring the system until it has safely passed.
