At 11 a.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Isaac was located near latitude 14.6 North, longitude 49.7 West. Isaac is moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days. On the forecast track Isaac is anticipated to move near or over the central Lesser Antilles on Thursday and move into the eastern Caribbean Sea Thursday night.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 70 mph (110 km/h) with higher gusts. Isaac is expected to be near hurricane strength when it moves through the central Lesser Antilles, with some weakening forecast afterward on Friday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the centre.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 996 mb (29.42 inches).
A hurricane watch is now in effect for Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica, while a tropical storm watch is in effect for Antigua and Montserrat.
Isaac is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with isolated amounts near ten inches across the southern Leeward Islands late this week, with one to two inches anticipated across portions of the Windward Islands.
A storm surge of two to four feet above normal tide levels is possible near and to the north of where the centre moves through the Lesser Antilles. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
Hurricane conditions are possible within the hurricane watch area by Thursday morning, with tropical storm conditions possible early Thursday in both the hurricane and tropical storm watch areas.
Swells generated by Isaac will begin to affect portions of the Lesser Antilles on Wednesday afternoon. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Interests in the Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of Isaac as additional watches could be issued this afternoon or evening. (NHC)
