Residents of SKN Advised To Stay Indoors As TS Erika Approaches

Government Offices will remain closed today as Tropical Storm Erika approaches the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Meteorological Office and the National Emergency Management Agency advise all residents to stay indoors and take all necessary precautions for their safety.

At 5am today, the center of Tropical Storm Erika was located near Latitude 16.8 North, Longitude 61.5 West or about 95 miles East of St. Kitts.

Erika is moving toward the West at a reduced forward speed of near 16 miles per hour (mph). On the forecast track, the center of Erika will move near or over St. Kitts and Nevis late Thursday morning.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 50mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles primarily to the North and East of the center.

Mariners should have already sought safe anchorage for their vessels, as seas are deteriorating and could peak near 12 feet during the passage of Erika.

Possible rainfall total from Erika is expected to be generally less than 3 inches. A flash flood watch may be required.

Residents should closely monitor the progress of Erika until it is out of our area.