Hurricane conditions expected in a few hours

As of 11:00AM, a Hurricane Warning is still in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, as well as nearby islands such as Guadeloupe, St Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and St. Maarten.

Hurricane Tammy, located at latitude 16.0 North and longitude 60.7 West, is moving towards the northwest at a speed of 8 mph (13 km/h), and is expected to continue in this direction through the night.

There will be a turn towards the north-northwest on Sunday, followed by another turn towards the north on Monday.

Tammy’s center will move over parts of the Leeward Islands through early Sunday, then north of the northern Leeward Islands by Sunday afternoon.

As of now, Tammy’s maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts.

Fluctuations in intensity are possible, but it is expected to remain a hurricane while passing over or near the Leeward Islands. Hurricane-force winds are up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km).

The minimum central pressure is 988 mb (29.18 inches) based on data from the Air Force and NOAA Hurricane Hunters.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect and conditions are expected to begin in the hurricane warning area within the next few hours and spread northward across the Leeward Islands through tonight.

Tropical storm conditions are expected within the tropical storm warning areas today and tonight, and hurricane conditions are possible in the hurricane watch areas through tonight. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Martinique today and the British Virgin Islands tonight and Sunday.

Tammy is expected to produce 4 to 8 inches of rainfall with maximum amounts of 12 inches in the Leeward Islands.

Additional 2 to 4 inches with maximum amounts of 6 inches are expected in Martinique and Dominica. 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 4 inches are expected in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands into eastern Puerto Rico.

These rains may produce isolated flash and urban flooding, along with isolated mudslides in areas of higher terrain.

Storm surge could raise water levels by as much as 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels near where the center of Tammy moves across the Leeward Islands.

Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Swells generated by Tammy will continue to affect portions of the Lesser Antilles during the next few days.

These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, so it is important to stay informed and heed the advice of local weather authorities.