Katia Downgraded to Tropical Storm – Further Strengthening Predicted, as Early as Overnight

Tropical Storm Katia

As Tropical Storm (TS) Katia, hurtles towards the Leewards, the National Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor its development and progress in collaboration with the St. Kitts-Nevis Meteorological Services.

Katia weakened to a tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday afternoon, but could regain hurricane status in time to affect the Lesser Antilles overnight tonight, Friday, 2nd September, 2011, into tomorrow morning. At 5am today, the centre of TS Katia was located just over 700 miles East of St. Kitts-Nevis, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.

According to the St. Kitts Met Office, rough seas are expected, primarily along the Atlantic side of the island, with likely impact along the Cayon into Dieppe Bay areas, beginning tonight. Conditions may begin to deteriorate as early as this evening, and persons residing in that region of the island are asked to monitor the local media for further updates and to take necessary precautions to secure lives and properties. Rain is also in the forecast for that period.

National Disaster Coordinator, Carl Herbert has noted that although a direct impact is not predicted, persons are advised to be diligent as predicting weather patterns is not an exact science and systems can change suddenly, while en route.

Computer models suggest that Katia will pass to the North of St. Kitts-Nevis, prompting alerts for boat operators and other persons with interests along the coastline, to pay close attention to sea conditions and advisories from St. Kitts-Nevis Meteorological Services. For further or additional information, please contact the Met Office at 465-2749.