The Miami-based National Hurricane Center has updated its advisory on Tropical Storm Tammy, indicating an anticipated intensification as it nears the Leeward Islands. The onset of potential tropical storm conditions, along with substantial rainfall, is forecasted to begin this Friday.

As recorded at 5:00 a.m. AST, the storm was positioned about 480 miles east-southeast of Guadeloupe, advancing at a pace of 17 mph westwards. Meteorological predictions suggest a veer towards the west-northwest by this evening, followed by a further swerve to the northwest between Friday evening and Saturday. Given this trajectory, the storm’s core is likely to skirt or traverse the Leeward Islands during this timeframe.

At present, Tammy exhibits sustained winds nearing 40 mph, with prospects of even mightier gusts. Over the ensuing days, the storm is poised to amplify its strength, potentially verging on hurricane intensity as the weekend concludes. Winds emanating from the tropical storm span out to about 140 miles from its core, accompanied by a central pressure reading of 1006 mb.

Watches and Alerts: The Antiguan government has disseminated a Tropical Storm Watch for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis. This watch extends to Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, and Guadeloupe as well. A watch signifies that the delineated regions might experience tropical storm conditions typically within the forthcoming 48 hours. The advisory also underscores the likelihood of additional alerts being proclaimed later today.

Land Perils: In line with the critical messages released for Tammy, tropical storm conditions are anticipated to kickstart in the watch zones from Friday. The rainfall quota through Saturday night is estimated between 3 to 6 inches, albeit certain areas, particularly the northern Windward and the Leeward Islands, might be on the receiving end of up to 10 inches. The British and U.S. Virgin Islands, along with eastern Puerto Rico, are foreseen to accumulate rainfall tallies between 1 to 2 inches, peaking at 4 inches. Such precipitation volumes may instigate isolated flash and urban flooding, coupled with a potential for mudslides in elevated terrains.

Moreover, the storm-induced swells are predicted to impinge on parts of the Lesser Antilles later today, potentially spawning hazardous surf conditions and rip currents.

As the eyes of many remain on the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for its continuous updates on Tropical Storm Nigel, a growing concern emerges for a tropical wave predicted to originate from the west coast of Africa. With the forecast showing a robust 70% probability of evolving over the coming week, the system might bring repercussions to the Caribbean, journeying westward across the expansive eastern and central tropical Atlantic.

The NHC, with its vigilant surveillance, is currently assessing multiple meteorological patterns spanning the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Although Tropical Storm Nigel is on the radar, its location over the central subtropical Atlantic indicates no pressing threats to either the U.S. mainland or the neighboring Caribbean territories.

Early indicators suggest that the tropical wave, predicted to roll off the African coast by midweek, carries a strong potential for development. Anticipated environmental conditions appear favorable for its gradual evolution, steering the wave towards metamorphosing into a tropical depression by the week’s end or soon after. Preliminary estimates by the NHC postulate a near-negligible chance of formation in the immediate 48-hour frame but elevate that probability to a noteworthy 70% in the week ahead. Given its current trajectory, Caribbean territories should maintain heightened alertness for any ensuing impacts.

Parallel to this, the NHC’s gaze is fixed on an anticipated non-tropical low-pressure zone, set to appear near the U.S. southeastern coastline within the week. There’s a potential for this system to adopt some subtropical traits over the weekend, contingent on its offshore activities. Presently, the odds for its formation remain modest: almost nil for the upcoming 48 hours but rising to a 30% chance within the week.

As the annual hurricane season unfolds in all its might, it’s imperative for dwellers of the Caribbean and those residing along the southeastern coast of the U.S. to stay abreast of meteorological updates. Establishing emergency preparedness kits is a prudent move. The NHC assures consistent monitoring of these meteorological patterns and pledges timely updates as fresh data surfaces.

While the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are spared the direct wrath of Hurricane Lee, the storm’s indirect repercussions are anticipated to challenge both marine and coastal conditions until at least the week’s midpoint. Presently, Hurricane Lee is pinpointed at a latitude of 22.1 N and longitude 61.7 W.

In light of the impending conditions, authorities have rolled out Small Craft Advisories encompassing the Atlantic Waters, the Anegada Passage, as well as the proximate waters off the northern stretch of the Virgin Islands. With the prevailing circumstances, seafarers are encouraged to tread cautiously across these waters, with tumultuous conditions slated to continue.

Those who cherish beach outings and the general populace dwelling in these zones should stay acutely aware of the escalated risk tied to rip currents. Not to mention, high surf warnings are in force, particularly targeting the beaches facing the northern and eastern directions. Waves surging to heights ranging from 10 to 15 feet are predicted for these specific locales, thereby amplifying risks tied to aquatic endeavors like swimming and boating.

Beyond the towering waves, there is a distinct alert regarding rip currents propelled by waves that reach between 6 and 9 feet in height. Such circumstances spell peril especially for those unaccustomed to swimming, and even seasoned swimmers might find themselves in challenging spots if caught unprepared.