The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services in its 5:10 Hurricane Sam Alert statement, on Saturday September 25, 2021, said based on current information and analysis, the forecast track of Hurricane Sam places the system sufficiently north of the area to spare Montserrat from tropical cyclone wind impacts.Hence, Hurricane Sam poses a very low threat to Montserrat at this time.

It went on to say, notwithstanding, it is also necessary to mention that given the dynamic nature of tropical cyclones, shifts in the forecast track are possible which could bring the system closer to the area resulting in an increased threat of tropical cyclone impacts to the islands.

Therefore, residents here on Montserrat are urged to continue to closely monitor the progress of this potentially dangerous system.

At 5 AM, The eye of hurricane sam was located near latitude 12.8 north, longitude 46.7 west or 1050 miles east-southeast of the leewards which includes Montserrat.Sam continues to move towards the west-northwest near 13 mph. A slower motion to the west-northwest is expected over the weekend, followed by a turn to the northwest on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 110 mph with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is forecast as sam is in a favorable environment and sam is expected to become a major hurricane later today.

No watches or warnings area required at this time; however residents should guard against complacency and be prepared to activate their hurricane preparedness plans in the event they become necessary.

The next update will be issued at 11 am today.

FORECASTER LETITIA HUMPHREYS