Tropical Storm Erika continues to move toward the Leeward Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Guadeloupe. Interests in the Dominican Republic should monitor the progress of Erika. A Tropical Storm Watch may be required for a portion of the Dominican Republic later today.Erica is centered about 285 miles east-southeast of Antigua, moving toward the west near 17 mph. A west to west-northwest motion is expected over the next 48 hours. On the forecast track, the center of Erika will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight, move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday, and be near or just north of north coast of the Dominican Republic on Friday.Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph. Little change in strength during the next 48 hours is forecast. Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the warning area in the Leeward Islands tonight, and reach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Thursday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area tonight and early Thursday. Tropical storm conditions could reach portions of the Dominican Republic on Friday. Erika is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with maximum amounts of 8 inches across portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico through Friday morning.Get the latest on this tropical cyclone by visiting the NHC website at www.hurricanes.gov
SVSeaDragon and crew are watching this one VERY closely! We are taking every precaution necessary to protect ourselves and our vessel, tying on extra fenders, doubling up on lines and securing things topside. We do need some extra supplies and we are very low on funds right now, so if anyone would like to donate we would appreciate it. Also, We are in one of the best hurricane safe marinas but if it looks too bad we will evac.
We will keep everyone updated.
