Tropical Storm Isaac Continues To Lose Steam As It Pushes Towards Caribbean

Tropical Storm Isaac is losing steam as it gets closer to making landfall on some Caribbean islands, downgrading from 70 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour winds, according to the National Hurricane Center’s (N.H.C.) 5:00 a.m. advisory.

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hurricane hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate Isaac later this morning and should provide a better assessment of the intensity of the tropical storm and the extent of its winds, N.H.C. said.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique, while a tropical storm watch is in effect for Antigua, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saba and St. Eutatius.

Governor Kenneth Mapp said Tuesday that he would make a determination on whether to initiate a full-blown state of emergency declaration by noon Wednesday.

According to N.H.C.’s 5:00 a.m. advisory, the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was located near latitude 14.5 North, longitude 53.5 West. Isaac is moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue through the weekend. On the forecast track, Isaac’s center is forecast to move across the central Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next few days.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb (29.53 inches).

Rainfall

Isaac is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with isolated amounts up to 8 inches across Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, with up to one inch anticipated across the remaining Windward and Leeward Islands.

Wind

Tropical storm conditions are expected on Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe by tonight or early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the tropical storm watch area on Thursday.

Storm Surge

Some coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

Surf

Swells generated by Isaac will begin to affect portions of the Lesser Antilles this afternoon. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.