- - St.Maarten/St.Martin - -

At 11AM (1500 UTC), Tropical Storm Laura was located near latitude 17.0 North,
longitude 60.2 West or about 210 miles east southeast of St. Maarten. Laura is moving
toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h). A general west-northwestward motion at a faster
forward speed is expected over the next couple days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some slow
strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Tropical storm force winds extend
outward up to 150 miles from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb (29.74 inches).

On the current forecast track, the center of tropical storm Laura is expected at its closest
about 35 miles to the south southwest of St. Maarten late tonight.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

RAINFALL: Laura could produce up to 4 inches of rainfall through Sunday over the
local area. Shower activity associated with rain bands from Laura is already affecting St.
Maarten. Moderate to heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are expected to
continue and intensify as the day progresses with most intense showers expected this
evening through Saturday morning. This rainfall will result in flooding/flash flooding in
low-lying areas and rock falls along hillsides, especially in areas that are already
saturated.

WIND: Storm force winds of 45 mph with higher gusts are expected across the local area
from this afternoon through Saturday morning.

SEAS: Sea conditions will continue to deteriorate today peaking near 10 feet overnight.
As a result a small craft warning is in effect for St. Maarten. Small craft operators and
swimmers should stay out of the water until the all clear is given.

The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten will continue to monitor the progress of this
system and keep the public updated accordingly.