BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH Tropical Storm Erika less than 350 miles from St. Kitts and Nevis, the Tropical Storm Watch which was issued yesterday (Aug. 25) has been upgraded to a warning, which means the storm will begin affecting the area within a 36-hour period.
The Federation is among several countries within the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands for which a Tropical Storm waning is in effect.
An advisory issued by the St. Kitts Meteorological Office this morning (Aug. 26) explains that as at 8:00 a.m., the storm was located 335 miles to the east of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Tropical Storm Erika has slowed down slightly from 20 to 18 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of close to 40 miles per hour. These tropical-force-winds extend to as much as 105 miles from the system’s centre
“Based upon the latest position and forecast track, Tropical Storm Erika is expected to affect St. Kitts and Nevis late Wednesday (today Aug. 26) and early Thursday. Skies today will be partly cloudy, becoming increasingly cloudy with scattered to numerous, moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms by tonight.”
The Met Office has indicated that Erika is expected to pass to the north-eastern side of the Federation.
The advisory indicates that a flashflood watch “may be posted later” especially since the showers that Erika is expected to dump on the islands may cause flooding.
Close and continued monitoring of the local media for updated information on the progress of the storm and changes in associated watches and warnings is advised.
