A strong tropical wave located about 700 miles or 1125 kilometers east southeast of the southern Windward Islands is becoming better organized as it approaches the region. Environmental conditions appear conducive for additional development, and a tropical cyclone could form later today or tomorrow while the system moves westward near 20 mph to 31 km/h. Regardless of development, this system is expected to produce adverse weather conditions over Saint Lucia from Tuesday night.
The Saint Lucia Meteorological Services is therefore issuing a severe weather alert for Saint Lucia from midnight on Tuesday until 4:00 pm Wednesday.
Associated with this strong tropical wave are moderate to heavy showers, gusty winds, thunderstorms and rough seas. Rainfall estimates of 50 to 75 mm per day with higher amounts in mountainous areas can be expected over the Windward Islands. Wind gusts up to tropical storm strength are possible and rough seas with waves and swells as high as 11 to 13 feet or 3.5 to 4 metres are also expected with the passage of this system.
Residents in flood and landslide prone areas are asked to be extremely cautious due to soils being close to or at saturation point. Small sea craft operators are advised to secure their vessels at a safe location and sea bathers should refrain from going to the sea.
All residents of Saint Lucia are asked to pay attention to further announcements from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services and NEMO. The Saint Lucia Meteorological Service will continue to closely monitor this feature and issue additional statements as necessary.