TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN

July 29, 2020 10:45 am

** SPECIAL WEATHER BULLETIN #4 **

DATE ISSUED: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 TIME: 5:30 AM

... A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN ...

At 5 AM (0900 UTC), the potential tropical cyclone was centered near latitude 15.3 North, longitude 61.3 West or about 230 miles southeast of St. Maarten. The system is moving toward the west northwest near 23 mph (37km/h). This general motion with slight reduction in forward speed is expected over the next few days.

On this forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to be at its closest at about 135 miles southwest of St. Maarten this afternoon.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some
strengthening is expected today with weakening likely by Thursday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles (445 km) from the center.

Overnight a gust of 33kt (38 mph) was report at PIJA.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb (29.68 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Windy conditions are expected to continue through today with higher gusts up to tropical storm force.

RAINFALL: The potential tropical cyclone may produce total rain accumulation of 2 to 6 inches. This rainfall could result in flooding in low-lying areas and rock falls along hillsides. Rainfall is expected throughout the day with increasing activity by this afternoon.
Some of this rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms.

SEAS: Sea conditions will continue to deteriorate with swells peaking near 15 feet today.

A small craft warning for St. Maarten remains in effect until further notice. Small craft operators are advice to stay in port to avoid loss of life and property.

- Residents in areas prone to flooding or near the coast should be vigilant and monitor their surroundings.
- The general public should continue to monitor the updates from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten.

The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of this system and keep the public updated accordingly.