SAN JUAN — Tropical Storm Fiona threatened to dump up to 16 inches of rain in parts of Puerto Rico today as forecasters placed it under a hurricane watch and people braced for potential landslides, severe flooding and power outages.
The storm was located 145 miles southeast of St. Croix this morning with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. It was moving west at 13 mph on a path forecast to pass near Puerto Rico. Forecasters warned Fiona could be near hurricane strength when it passes through Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, Tropical Storm Fiona was located about 165 miles southeast of Saint Croix, at 16.4 N longitude and 63.3 W latitude.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some strengthening is forecast, and Fiona could be near hurricane strength when it moves near Puerto Rico. For that reason, a Hurricane Watch has been issued for Puerto Rico, including Vieques, and Culebra.
Heavy rainfall remains the main concern this weekend into early next week, with five to 10 inches of rain is expected for Puerto Rico with locally higher amounts up to 16 inches across southern and eastern sections, and up to six inches across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sustained winds of 45-60 mph with hurricane-force wind gusts up to 85 mph are possible.
For accurate and updated information regarding Tropical Storm Fiona, go to the Government of the Virgin Islands Joint Information Center at vi.gov/jic/.
Fiona is expected to swipe past the Dominican Republic on Sunday as a potential hurricane and Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday and Tuesday with the threat of extreme rain.
Forecaster issued a hurricane watch for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engaño westward to Cabo Caucedo and for the northern coast from Cabo Engaño westward to Puerto Plata.
In Puerto Rico, authorities opened shelters and closed public beaches, theaters and museums as they urged people to remain indoors.
“It’s time to activate your emergency plan and contact and help your relatives, especially elderly adults who live alone,” said Dr. Gloria Amador, who runs a nonprofit health organization in central Puerto Rico.
[wpedon id=23995]By DÁNICA COTO/Associated Press