Cruising at a speedy 26 mph, Chantal rapidly advances towards Puerto Rico. With the approach of Tropical Storm Chantal, the U.S. Coastguard has ordered coastal areas of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the path of the storm to clear waters of any debris. In preparation for the powerful storm, authorities urge waterfront properties to “hunker down” and secure vessels.
Projections indicate that Chantal should strengthen before reaching the islands. While Chantal should ascend 100 miles to the south of the Puerto Rico, inhabitants could see up to 60 mph winds Wednesday morning. Meteorologists expect Chantal to clip the edge of Puerto Rico before crashing into the Dominican Republic and Haiti hours later.
Weather and Environmental Hazards
Forecasts predict that regions could see up to six inches of rain in some areas. Tropical Storm Chantal should produce about two to four inches of precipitation in the Lesser Antilles. The storm could elevate waters to form as high as a four foot storm surge south of the Dominican Republic.
Experts urge residents to prepare for heavy rains and flooding.
Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches
Regions under tropical storm warning include:
- Barbados
- Parts of the Lesser Antilles’ Leeward Islands: Dominica and Guadeloupe
- Parts of the Lesser Antilles’ Windward Islands: St. Lucia and Martinique
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic to Haiti (southern)
A tropical storm watch has been issued for St. Vincent, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Vieques and Culebra islands of Puerto Rico, and certain parts of the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
Watch for more updates at national-hurricane-center.org.