By Kevon Browne
St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for St. Kitts, Nevis and the rest of the Leeward Islands. Tropical storm conditions should be expected on Wednesday (July 29) and spread into the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning (July 30).
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center, the disturbance is located as of 11 am over the Atlantic Ocean about 585 miles (940 km) east-southeast of the Leeward Islands. The system is moving toward the west near 23 mph, and this general motion should continue during the next few days. The system is forecast to move through the Leeward Islands on Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles primarily to the northeast of the center. Some strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours, and the system is forecast to become a tropical storm tonight or Wednesday.
The potential tropical cyclone will produce total rain accumulation of 3 to 6 inches with maximum amounts of 10 inches across the northern Leeward Islands, British, and U.S. Virgin Islands. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well as potential riverine flooding.
Residents should pay close attention to their local weather officials and prepare for the incoming system.
