Isaac advancing toward region

At 11 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Isaac was located by a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft near latitude 15.0 North, longitude 54.7 West. Isaac is moving toward the west near 17 mph (28 km/h), and this general motion with some decrease in forward is expected to continue through the weekend.

On the forecast track, Isaac is forecast to move across the central Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday, and then move across the eastern and central Caribbean Sea through Saturday.

Aircraft data indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual weakening is forecast during the next 72 hours.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles (280 km), primarily to the north of the centre.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb (29.53 inches).

Isaac is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of two to four inches with isolated amounts up eight inches across Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe, one to two inches with isolated amounts to four inches across Puerto Rico and the southern United States Virgin Islands, with up to an inch anticipated across the remaining Windward and Leeward Islands. 

This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding.

Tropical storm conditions are expected on Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe early Thursday.  Tropical storm conditions are possible within the tropical storm watch area on Thursday.

Some coastal flooding is possible in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

Swells generated by Isaac will begin to affect portions of the Lesser Antilles this afternoon. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. (NHC)