Omar upgraded to Cat. 2, SKN downgraded to hurricane watch

By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-THE latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of Miami has upgraded Hurricane Omar to a Category 2 status, while simultaneous downgrading the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis from a hurricane warning to a hurricane watch.

According to the NHC’s 8 p.m. update, “Omar becomes [a] Category 2 hurricane…moving quickly Northeastward toward the Virgin and Northern Leeward Islands”.

While the storm was traveling at a forward speed of only 7 miles per hour this morning (Oct. 15), it has now reached a velocity of 17 mph. The maximum sustained wind speed of the storm has also accelerated to “near 105 mph…with higher gusts”.

In spite of these developments, the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis has been downgraded from its ‘hurricane warning’ status earlier in the day.

“A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning remain in effect for Puerto Rico…and also for the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area…in this case…within 24 hours” rather than immanent as previously stated, the NHC release said.

Rainfall amounts for the storm have not changed at this time, with the Northern Leeward Islands expected to receive anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of rain, though an absolute maximum of 20 inches is possible.  ~~Adz:Right~~

Persons in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding should head for safe, higher ground as a precaution if possible.

Coastal areas on the West and South sides of the Federation remain in danger of high, pounding waves as Omar quickly approaches.

The NHC’s advisory further stated that “coastal storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above normal tide levels…can be expected. In addition…Omar is expected to produce large swells that could cause beach erosion and damage to coastal structures”.

Residents of the Federation are advised to continue monitoring the approach of Hurricane Omar and adhere to future advisories. At this time, the storm is expected to make landfall in St. Kitts-Nevis late tonight or early tomorrow morning.