DATE ISSUED: Thursday, September 13, 2018 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC)
VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) September 14, 2018
… A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR ST. MAARTEN…
WEATHER:
This afternoon through Friday midday: Partly cloudy, hazy and windy at first, becoming increasingly cloudy with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms.
Forecast High: 31°C / 88°F Forecast Low: 24°C / 75°F
Sunset Today: 6:16 P.M. Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:00 A.M.
SURFACE WINDS:
This afternoon through Friday midday: Northeasterly to southeasterly with a fresh to strong breeze of 19 to 30 mph and higher gusts possible at first, then subsiding tomorrow.
SYNOPSIS:
Tropical storm Isaac is moving across the Lesser Antilles. Despite the distance away and strength of this system, windy conditions, cloudy skies, showers and possible isolated thunderstorms are likely across the local area during this forecast period.
Seas are forecast to peak near 10 feet with the passage of this system. Sea bathers and small craft operators should remain in port.
STATE OF THE SEA: Rough WAVES/SWELLS: 8 to 10 feet
SPECIAL FEATURE:
At 11:00 am, the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was located near latitude 14.9 north, longitude 61.8 west or about 230 miles southeast of St Maarten. Isaac is moving toward the west near 20 mph with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph and higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast after Isaac moves through the Eastern Caribbean. On this forecast track the center of Isaac is expected to be at its closest point to St. Maarten on Thursday evening, about 217 miles away.
Helene weakens into a Tropical Storm.
Hurricane Florence is moving steadily toward the Carolinas.
Tropical Storm Joyce drifting west southwestward with no little in strength.
The main focus during the next few days will be on Tropical Storm Isaac. However, the St. Maarten Meteorological Department will continue to monitor the progress of all these systems and keep you updated.
OUTLOOK through Saturday midday: Partly cloudy to cloudy and breezy with isolated showers.
FORECASTER: Albert
