THE SITUATION: (a)
AT 5 AM EST, THE CENTRE OF TROPICAL STORM ERIKA WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 16.1°NORTH AND LONGITUDE 56.0°WEST OR ABOUT 390 MILES EAST OF ANTIGUA.
ERIKA IS MOVING WEST NEAR 18 MPH, AND A WEST-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION WITH AT A SLIGHTLY SLOWER FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT 48 HRS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK, THE CENTER OF ERIKA WILL MOVE NEAR OR OVER THE LEEWARD ISLANDS TONIGHT AND MOVE NEAR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ON THURSDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 40 MILES PER HOUR (MPH) WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME SLOW STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48HRS.
RISK/ IMAPCT IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TCI: (b): Information is unchanged (see below)
Providenciales, PVN is expected to receive a minor impact from Tropical Storm Erika. Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Friday, August 28th at 11 PM EDT with storm force winds arriving around 2 AM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Tropical Storm Erika should occur near 2 AM EDT when top sustained winds, from the East, could reach 50 knots with gusts near 61 knots. Winds should decrease below storm force shortly thereafter.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 10 AM EDT and generally be from the South during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter. Some minor residential wind damage may occur from Tropical Storm Erika in Providenciales.
Grand Turk, GDT is expected to receive a minor impact from Tropical Storm Erika.
Northeasterly gale force winds should start affecting the area on Friday, August 28th at 6 PM EDT. The highest wind speeds from Tropical Storm Erika should occur near 9 PM EDT when top sustained winds, from the East, could reach 44 knots with gusts near 53 knots. Winds should decrease below gale force 6 hours later.
Sustained winds will fall below gale force after 3 AM EDT and generally be from the South during this period of decreasing winds. Expect gusts above gale force level for several more hours thereafter. Some minor residential wind damage may occur from Tropical Storm Erika in Grand Turk, TCI
NATIONAL ACTIONS:
- Monitor radio or television and other official sources of information for progress reports • Update your personal family preparedness plan and action items according to that plan • The website www.gov.tc/ddmeprovides additional information • Contact the DDME if they have any queries or require additional information. • Residents are also reminded to ensure the following:
Insurance Policies are up to date Shutters are operational Adequate water supply (for drinking and household use) Canned Food Sand Bags Battered operated Radios All trees are trimmed Meet with family members to update their Family Plan
- i.e. where they are going to go if they have to evacuate their homes
- how will they get in contact with each other if are separated, before, during and after an event.
- Location of Emergency Shelters
- Information regarding the storm will be posted on DDME website: www.gov.tc/ddme ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCI.DDME Twitter: @DDMETCI
REGIONAL ACTIONS:
DDME is keeping in touch with CDEMA, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the National Disaster Office in Jamaica (the sub regional focal point for CDEMA) should any assistance be required.
PREPAREDNESS TIPS:
Footnote: (a)-Information obtained from the Bahamas Met Office
(b)-Information obtained from TCIAA Met officer
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies (DDME) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDME to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDME or the TCI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.