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At 11 p.m., the center of Tropical Storm Irene was located near 17.9 degrees north, 65.5 degrees west or about 50 miles west northwest of St. Croix and continuing to intensify with maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour with higher gusts.
The storm's forward speed has slowed to 15 miles per hour and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days with a gradual decrease in forward speed. On the forecast track the center of Irene will move near or over Puerto Rico tonight. However, some strengthening is still possible overnight and Tropical Storm Irene could become a hurricane before moving over Puerto Rico in the next few hours.
A Tropical Storm and Flash Flood Warning, and a Hurricane Watch remain in effect for the Virgin Islands through Monday. A Hurricane Warning is in effect the VI coastal waters. The National Weather Service is forecasting that rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are expected that will likely cause flash flooding of guts and urban areas.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 150 miles with a station at Salt River Bay on St. Croix recently reported a sustained wind of 47 miles per hour and a gust to 57 miles per hour. The storm force winds continue to impact power lines across the Territory. Reports of power outages and trees and poles down have been reported to VITEMA’s 911 Emergency Communications Center and Emergency Operations Centers throughout the night. At 11:30 p.m., on St. Croix all feeders were down except for Feeders 4 and 8. On St. Thomas, Feeders 6, 7b and parts of 8 were reported without power.
VITEMA and the National Weather Service are advising the public to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. If flash flooding is observed, act quickly. Move up to higher ground to escape flood waters. Do not stay in areas subject to flooding when
water begins rising. A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters or waters of unknown depth by foot or by automobile.
Stay tuned to local radio and TV and NOAA weather radio and monitor VI Alert for updated information.
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