Tropical Storm FIONA predicts to cause sea swells, affects shorelines throughout Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia: The National Emergency Management Organization advised, yesterday, that Tropical Storm Fiona is expected to cause sea swells which could affect shorelines throughout Saint Lucia over the next 24 hours. Fishers, sea farers and small boat operators should exercise extreme caution when venturing out.

NEMO also strongly recommends that the public avoid sea bathing activities for the next 24 hours, and urges residents and businesses situated near the coastline to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect their properties.

The Saint Lucia Met. Services’ Sep. 17 forecast predicts that adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Fiona, will affect the Lesser Antilles during the next 24 hours. Tropical Storm watches and warnings have been issued for the islands of Guadeloupe northward to portions of the Dominican Republic.

 The Tropical Storm Watch has been discontinued for Dominica. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Puerto Rico. At 5 a.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located 125 miles or 205 kilometres west of Guadeloupe. 

On this forecast track, the center of Fiona is forecast to move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through Sunday, and approach the Dominican Republic Sunday night and Monday. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph or 95 km/h, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next day or so and Fiona could become a hurricane when it moves near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Residents and motorists in areas prone to flooding and landslides are advised to exercise caution.