BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - THE first major threat to the Federation this hurricane season is that of Tropic Depression Seven, which could to impact the twin-island this weekend as it is expected to develop into a Tropical Storm when it passes over St. Kitts and Nevis.
Models from the forecasters and weather centers in the United States and Europe show that the storm is expected to pass over the Federation, bringing with it heavy rainfall with the threat of flooding and flash flood.
An update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5:00 p.m. yesterday (Sept. 14), noted that tropical storm watches would likely be required for portions of the Leeward Islands last evening or overnight.
This comes as strong winds and squelly conditions are expected as it deteriorates.
The NHC is also predicting that the depression is expected to produce accumulated rainfall between three to five inches with maximum total of eight inches across the northern Leeward Islands, the British and U.S.Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
In its evening report, the NHC said the center of Tropical Depression Seven was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 50.5 West.
The depression is said to be moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h) and “this general motion is expected to continue during the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to move through the Leeward Islands late Friday and Friday night, and be near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend”.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts,
Some gradual strengthening is forecast during the next day or so, and the depression was forecast to become a tropical storm last night or today.
