DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Thursday midday (12:00 LST) July 30, 2020
…A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
…A SMALL CRAFT WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE…
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: Cloudy to overcast and windy with scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 29°C / 84°F Forecast Low: 22°C / 72°F
Sunset Today: 6:48 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:50 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Thursday midday: East to southeast with a strong breeze to tropical storm force winds of 25 to 45 mph and higher gusts.
SYNOPSIS:
Cloudiness, showers, thunderstorms and strong winds associated with Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine will continue to affect the local area today. Storm force winds and 2 to 4 inches of rainfall are expected as the system moves across the Leeward Islands. Residents and users of areas prone to flooding and/or rock falls should take the necessary precautions as moderate to heavy showers are expected.
Sea conditions are expected to peak near 15 feet. Consequently, a small craft warning is in effect for St. Maarten until further notice. Small craft operators and sea bathers should avoid open waters. Residents and users of coastal areas should take the necessary precaution.
STATE OF THE SEA: Rough to very rough WAVES/SWELLS: up to 15 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 11 AM (1500 UTC), Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine was centered near latitude 15.8 North, longitude 63.7 West or about 160 miles south southwest of St. Maarten. The system is moving toward the west northwest near 23 mph (37 km/h). This general motion with a reduction in forward speed is expected over the next few days. On this forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to be at its closest to St. Maarten within the next few hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast through tonight and weakening likely on Thursday.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of this system and keep the public updated accordingly.
OUTLOOK through Friday midday: Cloudy and windy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
FORECASTER: Albert
