IS HURRICANE IRENE ON THE HORIZON?

The formation of Tropical Depression 9 (to be named Irene) located east of the Leeward Islands is only a matter of time. This tropical system which has a radius of over 300 miles, covers a very large area of 300,000 thousand square miles. This means if the centre passes over Antigua (which is about 17 degrees North), its effects will extend outwards all the way down to St. Vincent in the Southern Windwards; hence, it will affect St. Lucia.

TROPICAL DISTURBANCE COVERS A VERY LARGE AREA

The system is located about 250 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and it is moving westward to west-northwestward at about 20 mph. 

According the Hurricane Centre, it is showing “signs of organization and surface observations indicate that pressures are low in the area”; but at this moment there is no evidence of a surface circulation. 

Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Centre predict a 90% chance of the system becoming a tropical depression at any time over the next couple of days. 

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE TROPICAL DISTURBANCE

Meanwhile, interests in the Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola are advised to monitor the progress of this disturbance. Thunderstorm activity, locally heavy rain and gusty winds are likely over the Lesser Antilles on Saturday through Sunday. 

Residents of Soufriere/Fond St. Jacques, Saltibus, Daban and Jetrine (in Choiseul/Saltibus) are especially advised to take note and heed all warnings by NEMO.

NEMO has issued an advisory, warning us to be on the alert for heavy showers all over St. Lucia on Saturday and Sunday.

For more update information, we can call the Met Office at 454-3452.