ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Fiona has strengthened and is now a Category 1 hurricane.
5 p.m. Update:
The center of Hurricane Fiona has already crossed Puerto Rico and is back over water.
It will get closer to the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic overnight passing over or near the coast overnight and into Monday morning.
Hurricane #Fiona may produce 12 to 18 inches with a local maximum of 30 inches in Puerto Rico, particularly across the eastern and southern portions of the island. These rainfall amounts will produce catastrophic
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
life-threatening flash floods and urban flooding. pic.twitter.com/dy95w7bGGh
Heavy rains and catastrophic flooding will continue for Puerto Rico, even as the hurricane moves away the outer rain bands will continue to drop rain and some spots may see up to 30 inches of rainfall.
Turks and Caicos have been issued a tropical storm warning.
Here are the 5 pm AST Sunday, September 18 Key Messages for Hurricane #Fiona. pic.twitter.com/pXZJ0B4fkV
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
4 p.m. Update:
Hurricane Fiona made landfall in southwestern Puerto Rico near Punta Tocon at 3:20 p.m. EDT.
Fiona is producing max sustained winds of 85 mph.
Radar data from @NWS indicate that Hurricane #Fiona made landfall along the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico near Punta Tocon at 3:20 pm AST. Maximum sustained winds at landfall were 85 mph (140 km/h) with a pressure of 986 mb (29.12 in Hg).https://t.co/j0OsjsddTD pic.twitter.com/B85U62octj
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
11 a.m. Update:
Hurricane #Fiona Advisory 17: Fiona Becomes a Hurricane. Torrential Rains and Mudslides Expected Across Puerto Rico And The Dominican Republic. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
Hurricane Fiona has sustained winds of 80 mph, moving WNW at 8 mph. Major impacts are already being felt in Puerto Rico, and that will continue for the rest of today.
Hurricane warnings remain in place for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as Fiona will impact the islands throughout the remainder of Sunday.
Torrential rains are already falling in Puerto Rico. Life threatening rains, flooding and mudslides will be possible as 10-20 inches of rain are expected.
11 am AST Sunday, September 18 Key Messages for Hurricane #Fiona.https://t.co/tCKLpI9JDD pic.twitter.com/4CcEBU6tkC
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
Previous Story:
Tropical storm Fiona is expected to become a hurricane Sunday, the National Weather Center said.
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Tropical Storm Fiona continues to strengthen in the Caribbean Sunday morning and is expected to become a hurricane later today.
Tropical Storm #Fiona Advisory 16A: Fiona Nearing Hurricane Strength. Torrential Rains and Mudslides Expected Across Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 18, 2022
TS Fiona is already bringing tropical storm conditions to the island of Puerto Rico.
Hurricane conditions can be expected later today.
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