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Hurricane Fiona Hits Eastern Dominican Republic

Hurricane Fiona hit the eastern Dominican Republic on Monday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 18.8°N and longitude 69.0°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) southeast of Samana, Dominican Republic. Fiona was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Cabo Frances Viejo, Domincan Republic. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the Turks and Caicos. A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Southeastern Bahamas including the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana and the Ragged Islands. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Barahona, Dominican Republic.

The eye of Hurricane Fiona made landfall on the east coast of the Dominican Republic south-southwest of Punta Cana on Monday morning. Fiona continued to intensify until the eye made landfall. The eye had a diameter of 18 miles (30 km). A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Fiona. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Fiona is likely to weaken during the next few hours while the eye is over the eastern Dominican Republic. Fiona will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification after it moves north of the Dominican Republic. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Fiona could rapidly intensify to a major hurricane after it moves north of the Dominican Republic.

Hurricane Fiona will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. Hurricane Fiona will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track Hurricane Fiona will move across the eastern Dominican Republic during the next few hours. Fiona will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the eastern Dominican Republic. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Bands in the eastern side of Fiona’s circulation will continue to drop locally heavy rain on Puerto Rico on Monday. Flood Warnings are in effect for parts of Puerto Rico. Hurricane Fiona will be east of the Turks and Caicos on Tuesday. Fiona could be near Bermuda on Thursday night.

Hurricane Fiona Drops Heavy Rain on Puerto Rico

Hurricane Fiona dropped heavy rain on Puerto Rico on Sunday and there were numerous reports of floods. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 68.1°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southeast of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Fiona was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Cabo Frances Viejo, Domincan Republic. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the Turks and Caicos. A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for the Southeastern Bahamas including the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana and the Ragged Islands. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Barahona, Dominican Republic.

The eye of Hurricane Fiona was over the Mona Passage between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on Sunday night. The eye passed over the southwestern tip of Puerto Rico on Sunday afternoon. Heavy rain fell over much of Puerto Rico and there were many reports of flash floods. There were also reports of wind damage in parts of Puerto Rico and electricity was unavailable in most places.

Hurricane Fiona was strengthening gradually on Sunday night. An eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was at the center of Fiona. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Fiona. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Fiona will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. The center of Hurricane Fiona could pass over eastern Dominican Republic on Monday. Since some of the circulation around Hurricane Fiona will pass over land, that could cause Fiona to weaken when the center is near land. Fiona will be in an environment very favorable for intensification when it moves north of the Dominican Republic. It could rapidly intensify to a major hurricane early next week.

Hurricane Fiona will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Fiona could make landfall in the eastern Dominican Republic near Punta Cana on Monday morning. Bands in the eastern side of Fiona’s circulation will continue to drop locally heavy rain on Puerto Rico on Monday. Hurricane Fiona will also bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the eastern part of the Dominican Republic early on Monday.

Fiona Intensifies to a Hurricane South of Puerto Rico

Former Tropical Storm Fiona intensified to a hurricane south of Puerto Rico on Sunday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Fiona was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 66.5°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Fiona was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Cabo Frances Viejo, Domincan Republic. A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Barahona, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for the Turks and Caicos, and for the Southeastern Bahamas including the Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, the Inaguas, Mayaguana and the Ragged Islands.

Former Tropical Storm Fiona strengthened to a hurricane over the Caribbean Sea south of Puerto Rico. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of Hurricane Fiona. A partial eyewall surrounded the northern half of the center of Fiona’s circulation. The partial eyewall was over Ponce, Puerto Rico. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Fiona. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Fiona’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Fiona will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. The center of Hurricane Fiona could pass over southwestern Puerto Rico during the next few hours. Fiona will move near the eastern part of the Dominican Republic on Monday. Since some of the circulation around Hurricane Fiona will pass over land during the next 36 hours, that could cause Fiona to weaken when the center is over or near land.

Hurricane Fiona will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Fiona will be near the southwestern part of Puerto Rico by Sunday evening. Bands in the eastern and northern sides of Fiona’s circulation will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands on Sunday. Hurricane Fiona could begin to affect the eastern part of the Dominican Republic during Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Fiona Moves Closer to Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Fiona moved closer to Puerto Rico on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 64.9°W which put it about 75 miles (120 km) south of St. Croix. Fiona was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. A Hurricane Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Cabo Frances Viejo, Domincan Republic. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands. A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the portion of the coast from Cabo Frances Viejo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Barahona, Dominican Republic.

Tropical Storm Fiona was gradually getting better organized on Saturday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of circulation. Radar on Puerto Rico showed that an eye could be forming at the center of Fiona’s circulation. Storms near the center generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass was allowing the surface pressure to slowly decrease. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Fiona.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. An upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Fiona. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could continue to strengthen gradually, but the wind shear will likely limit intensification during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southwestern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Fiona will be near the southwestern part of Puerto Rico by Sunday evening. Bands in the eastern and northern sides of Fiona’s circulation will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands on Sunday. Fiona could begin to affect the eastern part of the Dominican Republic during Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Fiona Brings Wind and Rain to the Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Fiona brought wind and rain to the Leeward Islands on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 62.2°W which put it about 55 miles (90 km) west-northwest of Guadeloupe. Fiona was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Dominica and for the portion of the coast from Cabo Caucedo to Barahona, Dominican Republic.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of Tropical Storm Fiona on Friday night which caused Fiona to strengthen. Although there were more thunderstorms near the center of circulation, most of the thunderstorms were still occurring in bands on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Fiona. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The new thunderstorms near the center of Fiona generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north and east of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Fiona.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. An upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Fiona. Those winds will cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could continue to strengthen gradually, but the wind shear will limit intensification during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. Tropical Storm Fiona will continue to cause gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Leeward Islands during the next 12 hours. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Fiona could be southeast of Puerto Rico by Saturday evening. Fiona could be near the eastern end of the Dominican Republic by Sunday evening. There is a chance that Fiona could be a hurricane by that time.

Tropical Storm Fiona Approaches the Leeward Islands

Tropical Storm Fiona approached the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 60.3°W which put it about 75 miles (120 km) east of Guadeloupe. Fiona was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Dominica and the portion of the coast from Cabo Engano to Cabo Frances Viejo, Dominican Republic.

Tropical Storm Fiona was nearing the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fiona continued to be asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Fiona’s circulation. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Fiona was moving under the northern side of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The ridge was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Fiona.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could strengthen a little, but the wind shear will limit intensification during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Fiona will move over the Leeward Islands on Friday evening. Fiona will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Leeward Islands. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Fiona could be southeast of Puerto Rico by Saturday evening.

Tropical Storm Fiona Prompts Watch for Puerto Rico

The potential effects of Tropical Storm Fiona prompted the issuance of Tropical Storm Watches for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Thursday afternoon. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the northern Leeward Islands. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 55.4°W which put it about 425 miles (685 km) east of the Leeward Islands. Fiona was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands.

Tropical Storm Fiona continued to be affected by strong vertical wind shear on Thursday afternoon. The center of Fiona was surrounded by a swirl of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern edge of Fiona’s circulation. Tropical Storm Fiona was under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The upper level ridge was producing westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and the wind shear was blowing the tops off of many of the thunderstorms that start to develop. The vertical wind shear was causing the low level circulation around Tropical Storm Fiona to look a little less organized. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Fiona’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could weaken if the upper level winds get stronger. The upper level winds could be weaker when Fiona moves over the northeastern Caribbean Sea during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Fiona could approach the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. Fiona could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Leeward Islands. Tropical Storm Fiona could be southeast of Puerto Rico by Saturday evening.

Tropical Storm Fiona Prompts Warnings for Leeward Islands

A potential threat posed by Tropical Storm Fiona prompted the issuance of Tropical Storm Warnings for some of the Leeward Islands. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 54.3°W which put it about 495 miles (800 km) east of the Leeward Islands. Fiona was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and Anguilla. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Guadeloupe, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy.

Tropical Storm Fiona was being affected by strong vertical wind shear on Thursday morning. The center of Fiona was surrounded by a swirl of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern edge of Fiona’s circulation. Tropical Storm Fiona was under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The upper level ridge was producing westerly winds that were blowing across the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and the wind shear was blowing the tops off of many of the thunderstorms that start to develop. In spite of the vertical wind shear, the low level circulation around Tropical Storm Fiona was still well organized. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Fiona’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean will continue to cause vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could weaken if the upper level winds get stronger. The upper level winds could be weaker when Fiona moves over the northeastern Caribbean Sea during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Fiona could approach the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. Fiona could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Leeward Islands. Tropical Storm Fiona could be southeast of Puerto Rico by Saturday evening.

TD 7 Strengthens to Tropical Storm Fiona, Watches Issued for Leeward Islands

Former Tropical Depression Seven strengthened to Tropical Storm Fiona on Wednesday evening and Tropical Storm Watches were issued for the Leeward Islands. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 52.0°W which put it about 650 miles (1045 km) east of the Leeward Islands. Fiona was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and Anguilla.

Remotely sensed data gathered by satellites indicated that the circulation around former Tropical Depression Seven had strengthened on Wednesday evening and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Fiona. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Fiona was asymmetric. Almost all of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Fiona’s circulation. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms in the eastern half of the circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Fiona. The winds in the western half of the circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Fiona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fiona’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Fiona could intensify if the upper level winds weaken.

Tropical Storm Fiona will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Fiona toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Fiona could approach the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. Fiona could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the northern Leeward Islands.

Tropical Depression Seven Forms East of the Leeward Islands

Tropical Depression Seven formed east of the Leeward Islands on Wednesday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Seven was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 49.6°W which put it about 805 miles (1300 km) east of the Leeward Islands. The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1009 mb.

A low pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Leeward Islands strengthened on Wednesday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Seven. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Depression Seven was asymmetric. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of the tropical depression. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms in the eastern half of the circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Seven will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Depression Seven is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm.

Tropical Depression Seven will move around the southern side of the subtropical high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression Seven could approach the Leeward Islands on Friday afternoon. It could be a tropical storm when it approaches those islands.