EYE OF FIONA VERY NEAR THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF PUERTO RICO… FIONA CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN

0400 PM EDT Sunday September 18, 2022 Valid until 1000 AM Monday September 19, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2022 – At 200 PM AST (1800 UTC), the center of Hurricane Fiona was located near latitude 17.8 North, longitude 66.9 West. Fiona is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph (13 km/h).  A northwestward motion is expected to begin later today and continue through Monday, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Fiona will continue to pass near or over southwestern and western Puerto Rico this afternoon and evening.  Fiona will then move near the northern coast of the Dominican Republic tonight and Monday, and near or to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph (140 km/h) with higher gusts.  Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours while Fiona moves near Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and over the southwestern Atlantic.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

• WINDS: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands by late Monday or early Tuesday. High likelihood of tropical storm force winds for South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
• RAINFALL: 2 to 5 inches. Rainfall is expected to be heavier in the more eastern islands (South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay). These rains will cause localized flooding of roads, properties, and communities.
• SURF: Swells generated by Fiona will reach the Turks and Caicos Islands by Sunday night.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

• Use this time to download the DDME Alert App for significant weather alerts and for useful information on how to prepare for various hazards. Click the link: http://onelink.to/qe7vn2
• Reduce hazards in and around your property, such as overhanging trees, clogged drains, and unsecured items that can become missiles during high winds.
• Review your Family Emergency Plan and your Business Continuity Plan.
• Discuss with family members what actions they should take if impacted by hazards arising from the adverse weather.
• Prepare your emergency supplies to last at least 3 – 7days.

• Assist neighbours and the elderly in prevention and preparedness activities.
• Continue to monitor the DDME website and Social media pages for official weather updates.

The TCIAA Meteorological Department and the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will continue to monitor this system and advise the public accordingly.