Hurricane Warning for Haiti

There has not been much change in Tomas overnight, but National Hurricane Center recon flights have measured a drop in pressure, which does indicate that th storm is getting stronger.  The conditions today will support further strengthening, so the winds will increase. Winds need to reach 75 mph to be considered a hurricane. As a result, here are the following watches and warnings which are reflected in the map at the left:

A HURRICANE WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...

* HAITI
* THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS...AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* JAMAICA
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* THE SOUTHERN COAST OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FROM THE HAITI
BORDER EASTWARD TO BARAHONA
* THE CUBAN PROVINCES OF GUANTANAMO...SANTIAGO DE CUBA...AND HOLGUIN

Tropical storm force winds reach 115 miles from the center. The main threat from this storm will be the heavy rain and flooding.  In particular for Haiti, a storm track just to the west will bring the strongest part of the storm on the island nation.  Storm surge of 1-3 feet can be expected. While winds will range from 60-80 mph, rainfall will average 5-10 inches. Up to 15 inches may fall in the mountains, leading to deadly flooding and mudslides.

SUMMARY OF 500 AM EDT...0900 UTC...INFORMATION
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LOCATION...15.8N 76.1W
ABOUT 315 MI...510 KM SW OF PORT AU PRINCE HAITI
ABOUT 160 MI...255 KM SSE OF KINGSTON JAMAICA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/HR
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NNW OR 330 DEGREES AT 7 MPH...11 KM/HR
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...997 MB...29.44 INCHES