ADVISORY NUMBER 11
HURRICANE ELSA
8:00 am 02nd July, 2021
A HURRICANE WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR SAINT LUCIA
Tropical Storm Elsa has been upgraded to Hurricane Elsa as of 7:45 am this morning. Saint Lucia is currently experiencing the effects from the outer bands of Hurricane Elsa. At 7:45 am today the center of Hurricane Elsa was located near latitude 12.9 degrees north, longitude 59.8 degrees west or about 111 miles or 178 kilometers east-southeast of Saint Lucia.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph or 120 km/h, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 12 to 24 hours followed by little change in strength. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles or 220 kilometers mainly to the north of the center.
Hurricane Elsa is moving towards the west-northwest near 28 mph or 44 km/h and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the system will pass near Saint Lucia or over the Windward Islands later today, move into the Caribbean Sea late today and tonight.
Elsa is expected to produce rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches or 76 to 152 mm with maximum totals of 10 inches or 254 mm across the Windward Islands and southern Leeward Islands. This increases the potential for landslides and/or flash flooding. Residents and motorists in areas prone to flooding and landslides are advised to take necessary precautions.
Hurricane warnings has been issued for the Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Martinique. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Grenada and its dependencies. Swells generated by Elsa will affect the Windward Islands today.
Small craft around Saint Lucia are strongly advised to remain in port. Residents are also advised to stay away from the beaches.
The Saint Lucia Meteorological Services will continue to closely monitor the progress of this system and the next advisory will be issued at 11:00 am.
Lemuel O’Shaughnessy
Forecaster
Saint Lucia Meteorological Services
