Tropical Storm Tammy Picks Up Momentum, Nears Leeward Islands

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.