A Hurricane Warning has been issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines as of 8 am. Surface observations from Barbados indicate that Elsa’s maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph, and the cyclone is now a hurricane.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is now under a Hurricane Warning
At 8 am, the center of Hurricane Elsa was located near latitude 12.9° north; longitude 59.8° west, or approximately 95 miles (155 kilometers) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 995 mb (29.38 inches). Movement is toward the west-northwest near 28 mph (44 km/h) and the center of the system is expected to pass near or over St. Vincent and the Grenadines late Friday morning.
Sustained surface winds between 75 to 95 mph (120 to 152 km/h) with higher gusts are expected to spread across St. Vincent and the Grenadines this morning; persisting into the evening with light rain and pockets of intense showers and thunderstorm activities.
Rainfall accumulations of at least 3 to 6 inches (75 to 150 mm) are possible with isolated higher amounts by tonight. Further accumulations of 2 inches (50mm) are likely by Saturday night. This rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Residents in areas prone to flash-flooding and landslides or near rivers and streams should be prepared.
Large northerly to south-easterly swells peaking near 5.0 meters (16 feet) are also forecast to accompany the system. Low-lying coastlines around the islands will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide. High tide is expected at 1:01 pm today Friday 2nd July.
Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen. A High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning are in effect until 12 noon, Sunday 4th July, 2021. Small craft operators are advised to remain in port. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water.
All preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Elsa should be completed, and residents should continue to keep updated on the progress of this system. The next Advisory will be at 11 am, Friday, 2nd July, 2021.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves speaking on radio this morning, said the system is on course to hit the nation before midday Friday. Elsa is now 95 miles East of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Gonsalves said despite his warnings, vendors turned up in the capital on Friday morning.
With the help of security forces, the National Emergency Management Organisation will assist in getting persons back to their homes.
Gonsalves urged those living in the Red Zone and in the path of mudflows and lahars to move immediately. According to the scientist at the Belmont observatory, a lahar is currently in progress in the Richmond Valley.
A special advisory will be issued shortly by the SVG meteorological services. Barbados met office reported a sustained wind of 74 mph and a gust of 86 mph.
This is a developing story check back for details.
