Tropical Storm Philippe is forecast to pass near the northern Leeward Islands later today, October 2, 2023, and could bring heavy rains and flooding, according to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC). Photo: NHC

Tropical Storm Philippe is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through early Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Photo: Zoom Earth

The NHC in its 5:00 AM advisory said the centre of Tropical Storm Philippe was located near latitude 17.1 North, longitude 60.0 West.

It said Philippe is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph (11 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue through early Tuesday.

A turn toward the north-northwest is forecast to occur by late Tuesday, followed by a northward motion on Wednesday.

“On the forecast track, the center of Philippe is expected to pass near or just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later today and tonight,” the NHC said.

50 mph winds

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts.

The NHC said little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so, but Philippe could begin to intensify more significantly around the middle of the week.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km), primarily east and southeast of the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 998 mb (29.47 inches).

Surf hazard

The NHC said swells generated by Philippe will affect portions of the Atlantic coasts of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through midweek.

These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the NHC said.