At 200 PM AST (1800 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located near latitude 16.2 North, longitude 60.3 West. Fiona is moving toward the west near 14 mph (22 km/h). A westward motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through early Sunday, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest and northwest Sunday and Sunday night. On the forecast track, the center of Fiona is expected to move across the Leeward Islands tonight, near or just south of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Saturday into Sunday, and approach the southern coast of the Dominican Republic Sunday night and early Monday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next few days. Fiona is forecast to strengthen after moving across Hispaniola early next week. TCIAA Meteorological Department and DDME will continue to monitor forecasts for the storm.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
- RAINFALL: 4 to 6 inches with isolated maximum up to 8 inches
- WINDS: Increase in wind speeds expected with higher gusts by late Monday.
- SURF: Swells generated by Fiona will reach the Turks and Caicos Islands over the weekend.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC
- Use this time to download the DDME Alert App for significant weather alerts and for useful information on how to prepare for various hazards. Click the link: http://onelink.to/qe7vn2
- Reduce hazards in and around your property, such as overhanging trees, clogged drains, and unsecured items that can become missiles during high winds.
- Review your Family Emergency Plan and your Business Continuity Plan.
- Discuss with family members what actions they should take if impacted by hazards arising from the adverse weather.
- Prepare your emergency supplies to last at least 3 – 7days.
- Assist neighbours and the elderly in prevention and preparedness activities.
- Continue to monitor the DDME website and Social media pages for official weather updates.
The TCIAA Meteorological Department and the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will continue to monitor this system and advise the public accordingly.
Forecaster: Holly Hamilton
