Erika may only be Tropical Storm still, but it has left a path of devastation and destruction. On the island of Dominica, 4 people were killed and 20 are still missing. A quick look at the update on Erika and you can see the track has shifted a little west. This is in response to the storm that brought it to the south of Puerto Rico, instead of north of the island. The adjustment not only allows it to travel farther before curving north, but also may change how it is steered by weather systems in the US next week. The change for from the National Hurricane Center for Florida brings the center of the forecast cone directly over the state instead of staying over the Atlantic waters. The good news if this plays out would limit intensification. The timing still plays out for a landfall Sunday night.
However, the strongest side and most rain will be on the east (or right) side. So the Atlantic coast can still expect flooding rain. This 7 day outlook from NOAA shows the rain path, which also does not appear to be an factor for Maryland. But that is still less certain farther out in time. See more forecast maps below.
Latest Advisory (5 AM AST)
LOCATION...17.7N 67.7W ABOUT 155 MI...250 KM ESE OF SANTO DOMINGO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ABOUT 430 MI...690 KM ESE OF GREAT INAGUA ISLAND MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...50 MPH...85 KM/H PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 290 DEGREES AT 17 MPH...28 KM/H MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES
Warnings and Watches
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Puerto Rico
* Vieques
* Culebra
* U.S. Virgin Islands
* British Virgin Islands
* Dominican Republic
* Haiti
* Southeastern Bahamas
* Turks and Caicos Islands
* Central Bahamas
* St. Martin
* St. Barthelemy
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
* Northwestern Bahamas
Computer Model Forecast Maps
Intensity:
The path into Florida instead of staying over the water will limit the chance to grow into a Hurricane
Tropical Posts: Hurricane Info
- 2015 Atlantic Storm Names and Forecast
- History of naming Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
- Tropical Storm Formation: Origin Maps For Each 10 Days Of Season, Video
Keep in touch via social media
- Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
- Twitter: @JustinWeather
- Instagram: justinweather
- Pinterest: justinweather
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