Tropical Storm Fiona Intermediate Advisory Number 4A
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL072022
800 AM AST Thu Sep 15 2022
SUMMARY OF 800 AM AST...1200 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...16.6N 53.6W
ABOUT 545 MI...875 KM E OF THE LEEWARD ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...W OR 270 DEGREES AT 13 MPH...20 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1002 MB...29.59 INCHES
WATCHES AND WARNINGS
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CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:
None.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Saba and St. Eustatius
* St. Maarten
* Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and Anguilla
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Interests elsewhere in the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola should monitor the progress of this system. Additional tropical storm watches or warnings will likely be required for portions of these areas later today.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
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At 800 AM AST (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located near latitude 16.6 North, longitude 53.6 West. Fiona is moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue for the next several days. On the forecast track, the center of Fiona is forecast to move through the Leeward Islands late Friday and Friday night, and move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next few
days.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) to the east of the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
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WIND: Tropical storm conditions are possible across portions of the northern Leeward Islands by Friday night, where a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect.
RAINFALL: Fiona is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches with isolated higher amounts across the northern Leeward Islands, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola. These rains may produce flash and urban flooding, along with isolated mudslides in areas of higher terrain.
SURF: Swells generated by Fiona are expected to begin affecting the northern Leeward Islands by early Friday. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
According to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), the center of Fiona is forecast to pass at its closest approximately 50 miles south of St. Maarten on Saturday. However, impacts are likely by Friday afternoon. Nevertheless, a surge of moisture ahead of the system can produce moderate to heavy rainfall across the local area from today.
Rainfall from the storm may be accompanied by thunderstorms and could produce flash flooding and rock falls. Flood advisory/warning will be issued if necessary.
Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate over the next several says. The Small Craft advisory will remain in effect until a warning is needed.
Residents in areas prone to flooding or near the coast should make the necessary preparations to protect life and property.
The general public should remain alert, continue preparations and monitor the updates from the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management.
