At 11 am, the centre of Hurricane Maria was near 16.3°N 63.1°W or about 240 miles north west of SVG. Yesterday and
overnight, squally conditions with gale force winds were experienced across parts of SVG. Maria maximum sustained winds are now near 160 mph. Minimum central pressure was 927 millibars. Today, MARIA is moving west-northwest near 10 mph and away from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Feeder bands on the southern side of Hurricane Maria will continue to generate isolated pockets of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Southerly wind flow of 20 – 35 mph (32 – 56km/h) with higher gusts can be expected. Further rainfall accumulations of 3 – 5 inches (75 – 125 mm) are possible, today into Wednesday. The Flood Warning remains in effect until 6pm today, Tuesday.
Persons near rivers, streams and areas prone to flooding and land slippage, should be on the alert.
Rough seas across SVG are expected to be 2.5 – 3 metres (8 ft – 10ft), with south-easterly swells on eastern coasts, and north-westerly swells on western coasts. Battering waves and life-threatening surf are possible especially at high tide, along with rip currents… High tide is around 5pm today. High Surf Advisory and Small Craft Warning remain in effect.
Small craft operators are advised to remain in port; sea bathers and users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water.
Thanks to all for following our updates and advisories, and taking precautions during the passage of MARIA.