Tropical Storm Tammy. By. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, has released a corrected advisory for Tropical Storm Tammy, stating that the storm is expected to intensify as it approaches the Leeward Islands, with possible tropical storm conditions and heavy rainfall beginning Friday.
As of 5:00 a.m. AST, Tropical Storm Tammy was situated approximately 480 miles east-southeast of Guadeloupe, moving at a speed of 17 mph towards the west. Forecasts predict a shift towards the west-northwest by tonight, with a further turn to the northwest between Friday night and Saturday. Based on this trajectory, the storm's center will either move close to or over the Leeward Islands during the same period.
Currently, Tammy has sustained winds of up to 40 mph, but gusts could be even stronger. Over the next few days, it's predicted to gain further strength and could potentially reach near-hurricane intensity by the weekend's close. Winds from the tropical storm currently extend outward for up to 140 miles from its center, and it has a central pressure of 1006 mb.
Watches and Warnings: The government of Antigua has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis. Other areas under a Tropical Storm Watch include Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. A watch means that the areas mentioned could witness tropical storm conditions generally within the next 48 hours. The advisory also highlighted the possibility of additional watches and warnings being issued later today.
Land Hazards: As per the issued key messages for Tammy, tropical storm conditions might commence in the watch areas from Friday. Expected rainfall through Saturday night is projected to be between 3 to 6 inches, but some regions, especially the northern Windward and the Leeward Islands, could receive up to 10 inches. The British and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as eastern Puerto Rico, are predicted to receive rainfall totals between 1 to 2 inches, with a maximum of 4 inches. Such levels of precipitation might result in isolated flash and urban flooding, with a possibility of mudslides in areas with higher terrains.
Furthermore, swells caused by the storm will likely affect parts of the Lesser Antilles later today, potentially leading to dangerous surf conditions and rip currents.
