Tropical Depression 15 strengthens to become Tropical Storm Maria east of the Lesser Antilles. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Maria is forecasted to become a Major Hurricane on Wed afternoon as it approaches Puerto Rico with winds near 120 mph.

Long term: Interests in the Bahamas & SE U.S. should also keep an eye on Maria. We have issued "Elevated" 5 Day Alert Levels as seen below. All interests and residents in the cone should begin preparing now.

NOTE: DUE TO EXTREMELY HIGH TRAFFIC DUE TO MULTIPLE ACTIVE SYSTEMS RIGHT NOW, YOU MAY NOTICE A TEMPORARY SLOW DOWN ONLY AT THE TIME A PUSH NOTIFICATION IS SENT. CHECK BACK A FEW MINUTES LATER AS THE APP WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL. WE WILL ADDRESS THIS IN OUR NEXT UPDATE. THANK YOU!