SAINT LUCIA EXPECTED TO BEGIN EXPERIENCING STORM CONDITIONS LATER THIS MORNING.
At 5:00 am today the center of Tropical Storm Elsa was located near latitude 12.7 degrees north, longitude 58.6 degrees west or about 185 miles or 297 kilometers east-southeast of Saint Lucia.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph or 95 km/h, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 12 to 24 hours followed by little change in strength. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles or 220 kilometers mainly to the north of the center.
Tropical Storm Elsa is moving towards the west northwest near 28 mph or 44 km/h and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the system will pass near Saint Lucia or over the Windward Islands later today, move into the Caribbean Sea late today and tonight.
Elsa is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches or 76 to 152 mm with maximum totals of 10 inches or 254 mm across the Windward Islands and southern Leeward Islands. This increases the potential for landslides and/or flash flooding. Residents and motorists in areas prone to flooding and landslides are advised to take necessary precautions.
Tropical Storm warnings remain in effect for Martinique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Grenada and its dependencies.
Swells generated by Elsa will affect the Windward Islands today. Small craft around Saint Lucia are strongly advised to remain in port. Residents are also advised to stay away from the beaches.
The Saint Lucia Meteorological Services will continue to closely monitor the progress of this system and the next advisory will be issued at 8:00 am.
