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August 14, 2008
VITEMA: STRONG TROPICAL WAVE AND ASSOCIATED AREA OF LOW PRESSURE MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST INTO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TONIGHT AND FRIDAY; FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FOR THE TERRITORY THROUGH FRIDAY A large mass of showers and thundershowers across the Northern Leeward Islands and the adjacent waters late this afternoon was associated with a strong tropical wave and an associated low pressure center. According to VITEMA State Director Mark A. Walters, most of the associated weather has been gradually moving in a westerly direction. "Forecasters at the National Weather Service have indicated that bands of scattered to numerous showers and thundershowers could affect the Virgin Islands tonight. Satellite photos late this afternoon show an impressive cloud mass over the Northern Leeward Islands and a large area of rain across this area. As the associated weather moves across the local area tonight through Friday, effects of the tropical wave are expected in the Virgin Islands." Walters said that the outer bands of showers that are moving ahead of the wave will continue across the Virgin Islands this evening. Isolated strong thundershowers were moving closer to St. Thomas and St. Croix at 5 p.m. Thursday. "These rain bands will become more frequent and heavier across the Virgin Islands overnight and into Friday morning. Additionally, as the low pressure area associated with the tropical wave passes across or just to the north of the islands, the fringes of the circulation could bring potentially heavy rainfall to the area later tonight and Friday." Mariners should monitor the weather situation through tomorrow. A few wind gusts were reported on St. Thomas in the last hour or so. "Conditions will continue to deteriorate mainly in the Atlantic waters to the North of the region tonight and Friday as the wave continues to move westward and closer, bringing showers and thundershowers in the form of squalls. There is also the possibility of isolated waterspouts," Walters noted. Seas will increase to 6 or 7 feet by Friday along the north and east coasts of the islands. Small craft advisories will be in effect later this evening through Friday for the offshore Atlantic waters to the North of the region. No significant winds speeds have been reported across the Virgin Islands during the last hour. North to northwesterly winds were reported on St. Croix. Walters said as the squalls ahead of the wave continue to move into the islands, strong gusty winds should be expected at times gusting 35-40 knots. In the land areas, occasional wind gusts to 35 miles per hour remain possible later this evening through Friday, especially with passing squalls. |
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