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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the St. Kitts Meteorological Services, is issuing a PUBLIC ALERT as Hurricane Sophia, a dangerous Category 4 storm, approaches the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
As of 5:00 AM this morning, Hurricane Sophia is located at 16.4°N, 60.1°W, approximately 182 miles ESE of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The system is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and is expected to rapidly intensify into a powerful Category 5 hurricane later today.
Forecast Conditions:
- Outer bands will begin impacting the islands this morning.
- Tropical storm conditions are expected by early afternoon.
- Hurricane conditions will arrive by evening.
- Seas will be extremely rough, peaking at 24 feet. All fisherfolk and mariners must stay in port and secure their vessels immediately.
- Rainfall totals are expected between 8 to 12 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 18 inches – leading to a high risk of flash flooding.
- Winds are forecast to intensify to 150–175 mph, with gusts near 200 mph.
All residents are urged to complete final preparations urgently and to stay indoors once the system begins to affect the area. Stay tuned to official updates from NEMA’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the St. Kitts Meteorological Services, and official local media houses.
