DATE ISSUED: Thursday, September 27, 2018 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (06:00 LST) September 28, 2018
….A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
WEATHER:
This afternoon: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.
Tonight through Friday midday: Generally cloudy and windy with scattered showers some of which may be heavy and isolated thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 31°C / 88°F Forecast Low: 24°C / 75°F
Sunset Today: 6:04 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:02 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon: East northeast with a gentle to fresh breeze of 12 to 19 mph.
Tonight through Friday midday: East northeast to east southeast with a moderate to strong breeze of 18 to 28 mph and higher gusts.
SYNOPSIS:
An increase in available moisture and instability associated with Tropical Storm Kirk will cause cloudiness, showers and possible thunderstorms particularly during the latter part of this forecast period.
Marine conditions will further deteriorate as Tropical Storm Kirk moves closer to the Islands. Waves are expected to peak near 11 feet by Friday. A Small Craft advisory is in effect for St. Maarten due to hazardous seas and winds. Small craft operators should exercise extreme caution, while sea bathers should avoid swimming.
STATE OF THE SEA: Moderate to rough WAVES/SWELLS: 7 to 11 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 11:00 am, the center of Tropical Storm Kirk was located near latitude 13.8 north, longitude 59.3 west or about 380 miles southeast of St Maarten. Kirk is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next few days but Kirk is forecast to move across the Lesser Antilles as a Tropical Storm.
The center of Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to pass approximately 210 miles south-southwest of St. Maarten and storm force winds extend up to 140 miles from the center. However, gusty wind, high seas and heavy rainfall could be expected with the passage of this system.
The Meteorological Department St Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Kirk and update the public accordingly. Residents are advised to keep informed on that system.
OUTLOOK through Saturday morning: Generally cloudy and windy with scattered showers and possible isolated thunderstorms.
FORECASTER: Albert
