HURRICANE SAM is rapidly intensifies into a Category 4 system.
Trinidad and Tobago Metrological Service (TTMS) meteorologist, Albert Alexander said, “Hurricane Sam was located at 5am near 13.8N 49.7W approximately 1510 km east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands.”
The MetOffice said that Hurricane Sam was moving toward the west-northwest near 13 km/h.
In addition, a slower motion to the west-northwest is expected over this weekend, followed by a turn to the northwest on Monday.
Officials stated, “Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 230 km/h with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected tonight and some fluctuations in the Hurricane’s intensity are possible in the new week.”
At this time, the system does not pose any direct threat to the Lesser Antilles but the Leeward Islands should continue to closely monitor the progress of this system.
Meanwhile, there are no watches or warnings in effect at this time.
“This system poses no direct threat to Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada and its Dependencies,” TTMS said.
An update will be given at 6pm today or earlier if the situation warrants. Members of the public can access information via www.metoffice.gov.tt, or social media apps Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.