Tropical Depression 2 got a number at the 5 p.m. update Monday, but meteorologist Odalys Martinez at the National Weather Service in San Juan had good news.
“The depression is expected to weaken to a remnant low by Thursday,” she said. Martinez said the environment is hostile for development of the depression into a tropical storm.
This means it will pass though the vicinity as an “open” wave, bringing showers to the territory on Friday and Saturday. Martinez said Sunday should be sunny again.
As of 5 p.m., the tropical depression had a wind speed of 35 mph with higher gusts and was moving west at 16 mph. The barometric pressure stands at 1012 millibars.
It was located at 11.6 degrees north latitude and 43.8 degrees west longitude.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Elton Lewis advised the public in a Monday press release to take this opportunity to review preparedness measures for the hurricane season, which continues through Nov. 30.
“Now is the ideal time to reassess your emergency supply kit so that, in the event a weather system is approaching the territory, you’re ready,” Lewis said. “Being prepared means that you avoid the last minute dash to the grocery or hardware stores. Make sure you have essential items that address needs of the household in the event of a prolonged power outage or in the event you have to shelter away from home.”
Preparations should include maintaining communication with family members, he said. Stay informed by tuning in to local radio and television for weather updates or by monitoring NOAA weather radios.
For more information about storms and hurricanes and about the steps of being prepared, visit www.VITEMA.gov/plan-prepare, www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.
