Tropical Storm Maria Moving Away from islands in the Northern Caribbean.

Great Bay (DCOMM):--- Tropical Storm (TS) Maria is to the North of Sint Maarten – 125 miles North West as of 11:00am - and moving away from the area, however it is still causing some strong winds up to gale force during squalls. Sea conditions remain rough and according to the Meteorological Department of Curacao (MDC) a Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

TS Maria has maintained its tropical storm status over the weekend and now has winds of 60 miles per hour with higher gusts and is forecast to become a hurricane in a few days.

Periods of heavy rainfall are still expected through Monday morning. Therefore, street flooding and flooding in low lying areas is still possible. Motorists should therefore drive with caution if they encounter street flooding.

With respect to persons traveling today, for flight information, please call your airline or 546-7777.

Weather conditions are expected to improve according to MDC starting Sunday night going into Monday.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) will continue to monitor TS Maria until the system has fully cleared our area.