DIMINISHED RISK NOTED BUT TROPICAL STORM WARNING TO BE ISSUED

The Antigua & Barbuda Meteorological Services will issue a Tropical Storm Warning at 8 AM today.  A Warning indicates the imminent arrival (within 36hrs) of hurricane storm conditions. 

It will be issued as Potential Tropical Cyclone No. 5 (PTC5) is currently moving toward the West at 25mph with maximum sustained winds of 30mph.  A very disorganized system, PTC5 is expected to move over the islands from the pre-dawn hours Tuesday until the mid-afternoon hours.  It is expected to become a Tropical Storm late Tuesday after passing Antigua & Barbuda. 

High winds (between 30mph and 50mph), heavy rainfall (3-6 inches), storm surge (up to 3 feet), and high seas (up to 16 feet) are expected.  Storm-force winds will extend outward up to 70 miles, down from the previously anticipated 120-130 miles. This will decrease the length of time the country will experience storm conditions. 

Residents are, however, asked to prepare for storm-force winds, flash floods, hazardous seas, and lightning strikes.