UPDATE: Tropical Storm Laura forms
Data found from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunter aircraft flight signalled that Tropical Depression 13 had strengthened to Laura and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
Laura is the ninth storm to set a new early benchmark this season, beating the previous "L-storm" record held by Luis, which formed on August 29, 1995.
Tropical storm watches are in effect for the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as the southeastern Bahamas as Laura races westward at 21 mph.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
See previous article published August 20, 2020
UPDATE: TS Watch issued for the Virgin Islands
-as Tropical Depression 13 moves towards territory with storm conditions
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Virgin Islands (VI) by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological service over Tropical Depression 13, meaning, tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours in the watch area.
As of 5:00 PM today, August 20, 2020, the center of Tropical Depression Thirteen was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 53.9 West or approximately 698 miles east southeast of the VI a release noted.
Forecast models predict that the depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 21 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days.
“Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast, and the depression is forecast to become a tropical storm on Friday.”
Forecasters say the depression is expected to move near or north of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Saturday, August 22, 2020, however, residents may begin feeling conditions from the system as early as tomorrow Friday.
See previous story publishes this afternoon, August 20, 2020.
Tropical Depression 13 forecast to affect VI from Friday, Aug 21
- expected to become a Tropical Storm later today
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) continues to monitor several tropical systems in the Atlantic; however; the focus is on Tropical Depression 13.
According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the depression was upgraded at the 11:00 pm advisory on August 19, 2020, and during that period no major change has occurred.
Current forecast models are projecting Tropical Depression 13 to be a tropical storm before passing just north or very close to the Virgin Islands (VI).
The system is expected to begin affecting the VI Friday afternoon, August 21, 2020, into Saturday.
DDM said residents should continue to monitor depression 13 as it progresses further west and be prepared to take action if needed.
Forecast
At 500 AM, the centre of Tropical Depression Thirteen was located near latitude 15.2 North, longitude 49.8 West or about 986 miles from the VI. The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 21 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm by later today.
Impacts
Winds of tropical storm force may be possible.
Rainfall: Heavy squalls with rainfall amounts of 1 -3 inches. More in some isolated areas.
Persons at home and abroad are encouraged to download the DDM’s Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.
18 Responses to “UPDATE: Tropical Storm Laura forms”
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