Defying earlier predictions, Hurricane Maria intensified into a Category 5 storm on Monday evening and made landfall at Dominca with sustained winds of 165 mph. Dominca is a fairly large island, and Maria’s path will put it over some mountainous land for about 16 miles, but the hurricane is expected to surrender little force in making the passage.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for both the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Many of the Virgin Islands, some of which took a brutal hit from Hurricane Irma, should miss the heart of the storm but Maria will pass near to St. Croix on Wednesday morning and hurricane force winds along with a substantial surge should be expected.
Puerto Rico is currently in the center of the storm’s predicted path. If the models are accurate, Maria can be expected to strike the southeast coast of Puerto Rico near noon on Wednesday, carrying winds of 160 mph and a strong storm surge. Maria should transect Puerto Rico from southeast to northwest, with the possibility of widespread damage. Hurricane force winds should be expected everywhere on the island.
Hurricane Maria can be be expected to surrender some energy in crossing Puerto Rico. Most models indicate that it will remain in the Atlantic and not come to shore in the continental United States. However, Puerto Rico already suffered from damage related to Irma, and the island’s financial status, which puts it hostage to a severe austerity plan, limits the ability to prepare for disaster. Some residents may also have a false sense of security from Irma’s near miss. Don’t expect another one. Seek shelter, take shelter.
Maria adds to the count of major hurricanes in a season that’s already edging above average. The intensity of storm has been boosted by rising temperatures, including the third warmest August on record, which have resulted in abnormally warm seas both at the surface and at depth.
Meanwhile, tropical storm force winds could began arriving this evening along the coast of North Carolina as the long-lived Hurricane Jose, which had been expected to die within a few days after Irma hit Florida, began it’s trek along the Eastern Seaboard. Jose is expected to remain off shore, but there remains the possibility of strong winds and heavy surf over the next few days before the storm curls out to sea (again) and is expected to die (again).
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