safety steps

WHCA31 TAPA
TROPICAL STORM PHILIPPE WATCH STATEMENT
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES
5:06 PM ECT SUN, OCT 1, 2023

This is for Antigua and Barbuda

…Heavy rains and flash flood threat beginning overnight for the leeward islands due to Philippe…

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Antigua and Barbuda. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions pose a possible threat to the specified area within 48 hours.

At 5 pm ECT or 2100z the centre of tropical storm Philippe was located near latitude 16.4 north, longitude 59.0 west or about 205 miles east- southeast of Antigua and Barbuda.

Philippe is moving toward the west-northwest near 7 miles per hour and a track to the northwest is forecast through Monday, followed by a northward motion on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the centre of Philippe is forecast to pass near or just northeast of the northern leeward islands on Monday and Monday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Little change in intensity is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend up to 175 miles mainly to the east of the centre. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb or 29.59 inches. Based upon the latest observation and analysis, tropical storm Philippe is expected to pass near or just northeast of Antigua and Barbuda on Monday.

The threat of sustained tropical storm force winds is minimal at this time but could become elevated if the system shifts further wests and moves directly over the islands.

Rainfall total of 2 to 4 inches is possible with the passage of Philippe. These rains could cause flash flooding especially in flood prone and low lying areas.

Swells in excess of 8 feet will continue to impact coastal areas and the high surf advisory is in effect. Mariners are asked to stay in port and sea bathers should avoid the beaches especially along the north and east coastlines on Monday.

All residents are urged to monitor the movement of Philippe and be prepared to take more specific actions if a tropical storm warning becomes necessary.

Repeating the 5 pm ECT position, 16.4 n, 59.0 w. Movement toward the west-northwest near 7 mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph. The minimum central pressure is 1002 mb.

The next advisory will be at midnight ECT

Forecaster Orvin Paige