The primary threat from Fiona over the next three days will be heavy rains causing flash flooding. Eastern Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the eastern Dominican Republic are particularly at risk.
At the 8:00 p.m. update, the National Hurricane Center places Tropical Storm Fiona 15 miles (25 kilometers) north-northwest of Guadeloupe, still maintaining those 50 mph 85 kph) winds with greater gusts.
Fiona is moving toward the west at 15 mph (24 kph) We can expect a westward to west-northwestward motion with a decrease in forward speed to occur on up through Monday. Later on Monday. Fiona is expected to move again to the northwest.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to inbound commercial vessel traffic. Video shared by the USCG showed its cutter fleet leaving the port of San Juan Friday.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Saba, and St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, St. Barthelemy, and St. Martin. Tropical storm conditions were expected in the warning area this weekend.
Dominica and parts of the Dominican Republic are under tropical storm watches, meaning that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The storm is expected to become a hurricane next week in the Atlantic Ocean. Fiona’s future track is still uncertain, but now is a good time for anyone along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts to ensure they’re ready for a storm.
