The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) said Sunday morning that it continues to monitor the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to reach the Eastern Caribbean by mid-week as a hurricane.
At 5 a.m. Sunday, the centre of Tropical Storm Isaac was centred near latitude 14.5 North, longitude 38.1 West or about 1540 miles East North East of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Isaac is moving toward the west near 9 mph. A westward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next few days, and Isaac is expected to become a hurricane by Monday.
Regardless of the path of Isaac, St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be impacted by tropical cyclone conditions (storm/hurricane) by mid-week.
NEMO urges all Vincentians, residents and visitors alike not to ignore the approach of this system or underestimate the pace at which such systems can develop and strengthen as they approach land.
“We encourage all to increase your preparedness as Tropical Isaac strengthens and approach the Eastern Caribbean over the next few days.
“Residents in the north of mainland St. Vincent are asked to be vigilant and be prepared as if Isaac continue its forecast path the north of St. Vincent may experience the outer bands of Isaac,” NEMO said in a statement.
“Please remember the coordinates given are the centre of the system and a hurricane or storm can extend many miles from the centre,” NEMO further said.
NEMO said it will continue to provide updates from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services on Tropical Storm Isaac and encourage all to be prepared during this active period.