DATE ISSUED: Friday, September 20, 2019 @ 18:00 LST (22:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Saturday evening (18:00 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:
Tonight through Saturday midday: Generally cloudy to overcast and slightly breezy with isolated showers and a risk of thunder.
Remainder of Saturday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers possible.
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:
Tonight through Saturday evening: Southwest to southeast with a gentle to moderate breeze of 08 to 18 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 possible thunderstorms across the local area. Showers are expected to become moderate to heavy at times overnight. Consequently, flooding and/or rock slides are highly possible 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 12 feet
SPECIAL FEATURES:
At 5:00pm, the center of Hurricane Jerry was located 19.6 N, 62.0 W or about 129 miles east-northeast of St. Maarten. Jerry continues to move towards the west-northwest at 18 mph.
On the forecast track, the center of Jerry is expected to pass approximately 120 miles to the north of St. Maarten within the next hour. Effects of Jerry on St. Maarten are expected to be mainly in rainfall and sea swells throughout the night.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts.
Some weakening is forecast overnight, but Jerry could re-strengthen 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 90 miles (150 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure recorded is 991 mb (29.27 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 evening: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers possible.
FORECASTER: Connor
