Hurricane conditions expected in the next few hours over southeastern Newfoundland on Astini News

Hurricane Maria is expected to bring hurricane conditions to southeastern Newfoundland in the next few hours, the National Weather Service said Friday morning.

At 11:00 a.m. AST, the center of Hurricane Maria was located near latitude 44.6 north, longitude 56.3 west. Maria is moving toward the northeast near 52 mph, 83 km/h. This general motion with an increase in forward speed is expected today. On the forecast track, the center of Maria should pass near or over extreme southeastern Newfoundland this afternoon.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 75 mph, 120 km/h, with higher gusts. Maria is a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. Maria should weaken after crossing Newfoundland and lose tropical characteristics by tonight.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 45 miles, 75 km, southeast of the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 275 miles, 445 km, mostly to the east of the center. Canadian buoy 44141 recently reported a sustained wind of 47 mph, 76 km/h, with a peak gust of 67 mph, 108 km/h.

The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the Canadian buoy network is 983 mb, 29.03 inches.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue across southeastern Newfoundland through tonight. Hurricane conditions are expected in the hurricane warning area by midday.

A hurricane warning is in effect for:

• Newfoundland from Arnolds Cove to Brigus South

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

• Newfoundland from Stones Cove to Arnolds Cove and from Brigus South to Charlottetown

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within the next 6 to 12 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area, in this case within the next 6 to 12 hours.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches can be expected across southeastern Newfoundland in association with Maria.

Storm surge, coastal flooding is expected near and to the east of where the center makes landfall. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Next intermediate advisory, 2:00 p.m. AST. Next complete advisory, 5:00 p.m. AST.