Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves stated in his address to the nation today that all businesses and non-essential services will be closed by 4PM this afternoon due to the approach of Tropical Storm Dorian.
Gonsalves also stated that based on information from the local meteorological office the center of the storm is expected to pass over or near SVG by early Tuesday morning and has urged residents in low-lying areas to take precaution.
The advisory from the Met Office is as follows:
Issued: 12:00 p.m. Monday, 26th August, 2019.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are imminent within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.
At 11:00 am Tropical Storm ‘Dorian’ was centered near 12.3 North…57.7 West or about 245 miles (395 km) east-southeast of St. Vincent. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds now extending outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center. The minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).
“Dorian” is now moving towards the west north-west at 14 mph (22 km/h) and on this track, the center of the system is expected to pass near or over St. Vincent early Tuesday morning
Sustained surface winds between 58 to 70 mph (93 to 113km/h) with higher gusts are expected to spread across St. Vincent and the Grenadines early Tuesday morning, persisting into the afternoon.
In addition, pockets of moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across the islands from early Tuesday morning. Rainfall accumulations of at least 3 to 5 inches (75 to 125 mm) are possible with isolated higher amounts. As a result, some flash-flooding are likely in low-lying areas and near rivers and streams. Residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
Large easterly to south-easterly swells of 2.5 to 3.5m (8 to 12ft) are also forecast to accompany the system. Low-lying coastlines around the islands will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide. Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen.
A High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning is now in effect until 6pm, Tuesday 27th August, 2019. Sea bathers and other users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water
In this case a Small-craft Warning means that wind-speeds of 50 to 60 knots (93 to 113km/h) and/or seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) will be affecting the marine area.
A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.
High Tide are expected around: 1:37 pm on today; 2:20 am and 2:24 pm on Tuesday
Residents are advised to make the necessary preparations and keep updated on the progress of this system.
The next Advisory will be at 6 pm, today, Monday, 26th August 2019.