BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE first tropical system for the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Tropical Storm (TS) Andrea, became better organised today (June 5) and seems to be charting a course towards the north-east.
Andrea formed in the Gulf of Mexico and according to a special advisory which was issued at 6:00 this evening by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it was then located at 25.3N, 86.5W or approximately 310 miles to the south-west of Tampa, Florida.
With maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (mph), TS Andrea is moving in a northerly direction at three mph. and its tropical-storm-forced winds extend for up to 140 miles from its centre. The TS is expected to make a shift towards the northeast and is also expected to gain momentum tomorrow.
“The centre of Andrea is forecast to reach the coast of Florida Big Bend on Thursday afternoon or evening…and move over south-eastern Georgia and eastern South California Thursday night and Friday.”
A tropical storm watch has been issued for the United States East Coast stretching from Flagler Beach, Florida to Surf City, North Carolina.
Additionally, tropical storm warnings have been issued for the Florida west coast stretching from Boca Grande to Ochlockonee River.
Residents of these areas are preparing themselves for the impact of TS Andrea and the NHC has further advised of the possibility of the occurrence of tornadoes this evening into tomorrow in the Florida Peninsula area.
