Tropical Storm Peter wind probabilities imagery By. NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
Tropical Storm Peter has formed in the Atlantic, but the system is expected to pass well north of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center, as the storm has titled north-northwest since the last advisory.
"Based on the track, intensity, and wind radii forecast, no tropical storm watches or warnings are required for the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico," said the National Hurricane Center in its 5:00 a.m. Sunday forecast. "However, interests there should monitor the progress of the system as locally heavy rain is possible on Monday and Tuesday when it is expected to pass to the north of the area."
According to N.H.C.'s 5:00 a.m. forecast, the center of Tropical Storm Peter was located near latitude 18.0 North, longitude 53.5 West. Peter is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue this morning. A turn back toward the west-northwest is forecast to occur by this afternoon, with that motion continuing into Wednesday. On the forecast track, Peter is expected to pass well to the north of the northern Leeward Islands on Monday and Tuesday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Some additional strengthening is forecast during the next day or so, followed by a slow weakening trend by late Monday and on Tuesday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center, mainly to the northeast and southeast of the center.
Key message: Rainfall around the southern periphery of Tropical Storm Peter may lead to areas of urban and small stream flooding from late Sunday into Tuesday across Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Leeward Islands.
Surf: Swells generated by Tropical Storm Peter are expected to reach the northern Leeward Islands Sunday night and Monday. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
