St George, Jul 12, 2005 (NaDMA) - Grenada and three other Eastern Caribbean countries have been placed under Hurricane warning.

At 5:00 pm today Tuesday the 12th of July, hurricane warnings were issued for Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Trinidad and a Hurricane Watch for Tobago.  A warning means that hurricane or tropical storm conditions are expected within 24 hours.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) advises persons to rush their preparations to completion.

At 5:00 pm the centre of the Tropical Storm Emily was estimated to be near 11.1 north and 52.8 west or about 475 miles east-southeast of Barbados. The system is travelling toward the west at 20 mph. Sustained winds are estimated to be near 50 mph and tropical storm force winds extend up to 50 miles outward from the centre.

The Tropical Storm has not intensified over the last six hours but forecasters say it could strengthen tonight and become a hurricane.

As a result of the increased forward movement at 20 mph, Emily will impact Barbados and Tobago around midday noon Wednesday and then continue to Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia a few hours later.

This track is based on the forecast issued at 5 pm. The projection tends to change as each forecast is issued every six hours. NaDMA assures the public that updates will be given as new information becomes available.

A reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system early tomorrow morning after which a more accurate location and forecast track will be available.

The National Disaster Management Agency here in Grenada NaDMA wishes to give every assurance that it is monitoring the storm in conjunction with the Meteorological office at the Point Salines International Airport, which is the official provider of weather forecasts.

The agency advises that persons should pay attention to the information provided, re-assess their individual levels of preparedness, and take the necessary steps to ensure that they are in a good position to respond adequately to the advisories as updated information becomes available.

Hurricane Warnings are issued, the following steps should be taken:

• Ensure that there is an adequate supply of clean water in covered containers;
• Remove all debris from your surroundings;
• Board Up your windows and remove outside antennas;
• Prepare and move emergency supplies into your “strong room” and be prepared to stay there;
• Continue to listen to the radio for updates;
• Complete all preparations that were started when the WATCH was issued;
• Feed your pets and either bring them indoors or set them loose;
• Ensure that you have all your medication and seal all your identification documents and other important papers in a water-proof plastic container or plastic bags;
• Park your vehicle in the safest place possible;
• If you are leaving home, let someone know WHERE you will be during the storm.

NaDMA reminds the public to be prepared at all times.