Residents on Montserrat should remain vigilant and continue to closely monitor this powerful and dangerous Hurricane.

According to the 5PM Tropical Cyclone Statement issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, it said based on current information and analysis, Hurricane Sam is expected to pass at a safe distance away from MONTSERRAT between Tuesday and Wednesday with little or no wind impact to the islands. Therefore, there is a low threat to the island with respect to winds.

However, the statement went on to say, given the dynamic nature of tropical cyclones any shift to the south could bring Hurricane Sam closer to the island which include Montserrat; hence residents should remain vigilant and keep close and continuous monitoring of this powerful and dangerous system.

As Hurricane Sam passes, extensive impacts from swells/ surfs are expected to affect coastal areas which could lead to soil erosion and rip currents, therefore to be safe, residents will be asked to avoid these areas until the all clear is given.

At 500 pm, the center of hurricane sam was located near latitude 14.2 north, longitude 50.5 west. Hurricane Sam is moving toward the northwest near 7 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days, along with a gradual increase in forward speed commencing by midweek. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 150 mph with higher gusts. Sam is a Category 4 Hurricane on the saffir-simpson hurricane wind scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next couple of days. Thereafter, some slow weakening is forecast.

Hurricane Sam is a small tropical cyclone. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 938 mb (27.70 inches).

The next advisory will be at 11 pm

Forecaster Cecil Matthew