Warden Messages

Warden Message #1 issued by the U.S. Embassy

Re: Tropical Storm Noel

October 29, 2007

 

This Warden Message is to inform U.S. citizens residing in or visiting The Bahamas of the approaching Tropical Storm Noel. Those individuals in the direct path of the storm should take the necessary precautions.

The Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and send updates as they are received.

Level 1 Alert: Tropical Storm Noel Update 1 – October 29, 2007, 11:00 a.m.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), as of 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the center of Tropical Storm Noel is about to emerge off the north coast of Haiti. The storm center is located approximately 80 miles east-southeast of the eastern tip of Cuba and approximately 300 miles southeast of the central Bahamas (19.9N, 73.0W). Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center of the storm. The tropical storm is moving toward the north-northwest at approximately 12 miles per hour (mph), with this motion expected to continue during the next 24 hours. On this track, Tropical Storm Noel will move over the southeastern Bahamas later today and tonight. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast for the next 24 hours.

As of 11:00 a.m. EDT, the Government of the Bahamas has upgraded the tropical storm watch for the central Bahamas to a tropical storm warning. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the central and southeastern Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for the provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin in Cuba, and for the entire coast of Haiti. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.

A tropical storm watch may be required for portions of the northwestern Bahamas later today.

Tropical Storm Noel is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches of Hispaniola, with possible isolated maximum totals of 30 inches. Total accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with possible maximum amounts of 20 inches, are possible over southeastern Cuba. Rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with maximum totals of 15 inches, are possible across the central and southeastern Bahamas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible over Puerto Rico through tomorrow morning. Rains associated with Tropical Storm Noel, particularly in Hispaniola, are expected to cause flash floods and mudslides.