Tropical Storm Irene strengthens, aims for Puerto Rico

A strengthening Tropical Storm Irene is just west of Puerto Rico in this NOAA satellie image.

Storm expected intensify and reach hurricane force

By Summit Voice

Follow Summit Voice on Twitter

Join our Facebook community

SUMMIT COUNTY — Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center said Sunday morning they expect Tropical Storm Irene to reach Hurricane strength soon and have upgraded tropical storm warnings to hurricane warnings in Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra. A hurricane watch is now in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The strongest winds are north of the center of circulation, and the storm is expected to pass near Puerto Rico Sunday night on its west-northwestward path, reaching hurricane strength, with 75 mph winds, by the time it reaches Hispaniola.

Maximum sustained winds are at 50 mph with tropical-storm force winds extending out about 150 miles from the center of the storm. The strengthening storm will drop 4 to 7 inches of rain across some of the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (more…)

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 5,720 other followers