DATE ISSUED: Saturday, August 22, 2020 @ 06:00 LST (10:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Sunday morning (06:00 LST) August 23, 2020
…A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR ST MAARTEN…
WEATHER:
Today: Cloudy to overcast and windy with numerous showers and scattered thunderstorms.
Tonight through Sunday morning: Generally cloudy with isolated showers and thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 29°C / 84°F Forecast Low: 25°C / 77°F
Sunset Today: 6:34 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:57 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
Today through Sunday morning: South southeasterly to easterly with a moderate to strong breeze 18 to 25 mph and storm force gusts at first, then gradually subsiding as the day progresses.
SYNOPSIS:
Tropical storm Laura is currently moving away from St. Maarten, however, it is still expected to cause moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, storm force wind gusts and rough seas across the region. Residents in areas prone to flooding or near the coast should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect life and property.
Seas are expected to remain moderate to rough. Small craft operators and sea bathers should avoid open waters until the all clear is given.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate to Rough WAVES/SWELLS: 6 to 9 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
- At 5am, Tropical Storm Laura was located about 160 miles west of St. Maarten. Laura is moving toward the west (away from St. Maarten) near 21 mph.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center.
- A broad area of low pressure and a tropical wave just off the coast of western Africa are producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. This system has a low chance of development within the next five (5) days.
THE METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF ST. MAARTEN WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THESE SYSTEMS AND UPDATE THE PUBLIC ACCORDINGLY.
OUTLOOK through Monday morning: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers.
FORECASTER: Albert
