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A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as the center of Tropical Storm Laura, which the National Hurricane Center described as "disorganized," moved over the territory and eastern Puerto Rico as of 5:00 a.m. Saturday.
Along with the USVI and PR, a tropical storm warning remains in effect for:
- British Virgin Islands
- Saba and St. Eustatius
- St. Maarten
- St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
- The northern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to the border with Haiti
- The southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to
- Punta Palenque
- The northern coast of Haiti from Le Mole St. Nicholas to the border with the Dominican Republic
- The southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands
According to N.H.C., at 5:00 a.m. the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located near latitude 17.6 North, longitude 65.5 West. Laura is moving toward the west near 21 mph (33 km/h) and a generally west-northwestward motion is expected over the next few days. On the forecast track, the center of Laura will move near or over portions of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this morning, near or over Hispaniola this afternoon and tonight, and near or over eastern Cuba Sunday and Sunday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is expected during the next few days.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles (335 km) mainly to the north of the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure based on surface observations is 1007 mb (29.74 inches).
Rainfall: Laura is expected to produce 3 to 6 inches of rain over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, the southern Haitian Peninsula and eastern Cuba through Sunday. Maximum amounts up to 8 inches are possible along eastern portions and the southern slopes of Puerto Rico, as well as over Haiti, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba. This heavy rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding, as well as an increased potential for mudslides with minor river flooding in Puerto Rico.
One to 3 inches of rain with isolated maximum totals of 5 inches is expected over the northern Leeward Islands, the Turks and Caicos and southeast Bahamas.
Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected within portions of the warning area area this morning through Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are possible within portions of the watch area Sunday night.
Surf: Swells generated by Laura are affecting portions of the northern Leeward Islands. These swells are expected to spread across the northern coasts of Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba, and much of the Bahamas during the next few days. Please consult products from your local weather office.
