Information coming for the VI Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is that as of 8:00 am this morning, September 17, 2022, Tropical Storm Fiona was located by an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft near latitude 16.1 North, longitude 63.4 West.

The DDM says Fiona is moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h). A westward to west-northwestward motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected through Sunday night. A turn toward the northwest is forecast early next week.

On the forecast track, the center of Fiona is expected to pass 144 miles south of Anegada, 123 miles south of Virgin Gorda and 120 miles south of Road Town at about 2 pm today.

Some gust may pick up and be felt more in certain areas, especially those that live in hilly areas where there is a threat that the rains will bring flooding to the VI.

The DDM says due to these heavy rainfalls, flash flooding warnings and or advisory may also be issued.

Meanwhile, across the region, the government of the Dominican Republic has issued a Hurricane Watch for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano westward to Cabo Caucedo and for the northern coast from Cabo Engano westward to Puerto Plata.

Watches & warnings across region

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center. Data from the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the minimum central pressure is 1000mb (29.53 inches).

Meanwhile, across the region, the government of the Dominican Republic has issued a Hurricane Watch for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano westward to Cabo Caucedo and for the northern coast from Cabo Engano westward to Puerto Plata.

Additionally, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, and Anguilla however, VI is still under that warning.

Some strengthening is forecast as the storm moves south and Fiona could be at or near hurricane strength when it moves near Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic late Saturday or early Sunday morning.