DATE ISSUED: Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) September 21, 2019
…A TROPICAL STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
…A SMALL CRAFT/HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
FOR ST. MAARTEN…
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Saturday midday: Generally cloudy to overcast and breezy with scattered showers and scattered thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 30°C / 86°F Forecast Low: 25°C / 77°F
Sunset Today: 6:10 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:01 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon: East-northeast to east with a light to gentle breeze of 04 to 12 mph, becoming light and variable at times.
Tonight through Saturday midday: Easterly to southerly with a gentle to fresh breeze of 08 to 19 mph, and higher gusts, particularly during showers.
SYNOPSIS:
Moisture and instability associated with the outer bands of Hurricane Jerry will account for an increase in cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms across the local area. Showers are expected to become moderate to heavy at times as the day progress. Consequently, flooding and/or rock slides are expected in
flood-prone areas and along hillsides. Residents and users of these areas are advised to be vigilant.
Long period northerly swells will maintain hazardous sea conditions during this forecast period. As a result, small craft and high surf advisories are in effect for St. Maarten.
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Beach erosion is possible in vulnerable areas. Sea-bathers are advised to stay away from the sea during the passage of Jerry.
STATE OF THE SEA: Rough WAVES/SWELLS: 8 to 13 feet
SPECIAL FEATURES:
At 11:00am, the center of Hurricane Jerry was located 18.8 N, 60.3 W or about 192 miles east-northeast of St. Maarten. Jerry continues to move towards the west-northwest with an increase in forward speed of 17 mph.
On the forecast track, the center of Jerry is expected to pass approximately 120 miles to the north of St. Maarten late tonight. Effects of Jerry on St. Maarten are expected to be mainly in rainfall and sea swells from later this afternoon and tonight.
Maximum sustained winds have further decreased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional weakening is forecast during the next day or so, with some re-strengthening possible early next week.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles (30 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure recorded is 990 mb (29.24 inches).
Residents and the general public are advised to continue being alert and monitor the progress of Jerry.
The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor and issue special weather bulletins.
OUTLOOK through Sunday midday: Generally cloudy and breezy with isolated showers and isolated thunderstorms possible.
FORECASTER: Gordon
