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VITEMA is continuing to closely monitor a large tropical wave located about 400 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and moving westward to west-northwestward at about 20 miles per hour.
According to the National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center most recent update, shower activity associated with this system continues to show signs of organization, and surface observations indicate that pressures are low in the area. However, there is no evidence of a surface circulation at this time. Slow development of this system is likely, and a tropical depression could form over the next couple of days. This system has a high chance, 80 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours. An Air Force reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate this system later this afternoon, if necessary.
The National Weather Service at San Juan is scheduled to update Gov. John P. de Jongh Jr., VITEMA Director Elton Lewis and other key government officials later today on the latest track of the tropical wave and its impact on the Virgin Islands. On Friday, the National Weather Service’s brief to the governor and VITEMA forecasted the system would bring intermittent, localized heavy rains and gusty winds to the Virgin Islands, particularly St. Croix, on Sunday.
“VITEMA will continue to update the public on the development of this system but whether or not it becomes a tropical storm, the Virgin Islands, especially St. Croix, is expected to experience periods of heavy rains and gusty winds,” VITEMA Director Elton Lewis said. “We are urging everyone
to be vigilant and to monitor the progress of this system as it moves across our region.”
VITEMA is urging everyone to stay tuned to local radio, TV, NOAA weather radio and VI Alert for updated information, watches and warnings. For preparedness information visit www.VITEMA.gov.
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