12 August, 10am:
Residents and tourists are being urged to prepare for the arrival of a tropical storm which is likely to pass over the island late this evening and into tomorrow morning.
According to the 8am forecast from the National Hurricane Center, the weather disturbance was about 525 miles east south east of Antigua with maximum sustained winds of 30 miles per hour.
Forecasters expect some strengthening over the next few days, with the disturbance likely to become a tropical depression later today or tonight and a tropical storm as it nears the Leeward Islands.
A tropical storm warning is in place for Anguilla, as well as Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis. This means tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.
The hurricane centre predicts the storm will produce four to six inches of rain over portions of the Leeward Islands.
Swells generated by the system will likely begin to affect portions of the Leeward Islands from tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the centre said.
Anguilla’s Department of Disaster Management updated its weather advisory just after 9am this morning, warning of possible flash flooding and dangerous sea conditions.
It said that residents in low lying and flood prone areas should plan to move to higher ground once a flood watch or warning is issued.
The department also said sea bathers should avoid the beaches and mariners should stay in port and seek anchorage for small crafts.
Information on how to prepare for a hurricane is available from the US National Weather Service here.
Visit the US National Hurricane Center for the latest weather updates at www.nhc.noaa.gov
