Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 27, 2020 (ZIZ News): A tropical storm alert is in effect for the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands. A tropical storm alert means, in this case, a tropical storm is expected to form in our monitored area but a watch or warning is not required, at this time.
This is according to a statement issued by the St. Kitts Met Office on Monday morning.
The statement notes that although it is a bit difficult to determine the impacts, at this time.
Tropical Disturbance AL92, is forecast to be in the vicinity in less than 60 hours as, at least, tropical Storm. Therefore, it poses a moderate threat with the potential to cause significant impacts from storm-force winds, elevated storm surge, extreme seas, moderate flooding and possibly a few tornadoes, resulting in life-threatening conditions, disruptions to daily life and some damage to infrastructure.
The most recent report indicates that the centre of Tropical Disturbance AL92 was located near latitude 13.0 North, longitude 44.0 West or about 1200 miles East- Southeast of the Leeward Islands or about 1280 miles East-Southeast of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The disturbance is moving toward the west to west-northwest at around 18 mph. This motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
Maximum sustained winds are less than 30 mph. Although the system is not yet a tropical cyclone it has a 90 percent chance of becoming Tropical Storm Isaias.
On its projected forecast track, AL92 could be near or over the islands late Wednesday/Thursday, potentially as a strong tropical storm.
However, the met office has advised that it is still too early to say with high certainty the eventual path of the system.
In the meantime, residents are urged to monitor Tropical Disturbance AL92 and be prepared to implement their hurricane plans, as the system poses a moderate and growing threat with the potential to cause significant damage and loss of life, property and livelihood.
ZIZ will keep you up to date as soon as the updates become available.