Tropical Storm expected to impact Cabo Verde tomorrow rain begin tonight.. Residents of Cabo Verde should Take necessary Precautions tonight!

Over the next 24 hours expect potentially hazardous conditions over the country of Cabo Verde along with the possibility of heavy rain in Senegal tonight and rough seas along coastal Senegal and the Gambia.  As of 5 PM the National Hurricane Center has upgraded the disturbance to TD #15.   This may be a tropical storm tomorrow bringing winds and possible flooding.

Caption:  Tropical disturbance off the coast of Senegal at 1700 UTC

BULLETIN
Tropical Depression Fifteen Advisory Number   1
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       AL152019
500 PM AST Mon Oct 14 2019

...NEW TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMS SOUTHEAST OF THE CABO VERDE
ISLANDS...
...HEAVY RAINS EXPECTED ACROSS EASTERN CABO VERDE ISLANDS TONIGHT...


SUMMARY OF 500 PM AST...2100 UTC...INFORMATION
----------------------------------------------
LOCATION...13.2N 20.2W
ABOUT 320 MI...515 KM SE OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...35 MPH...55 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT...NW OR 310 DEGREES AT 8 MPH...13 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1006 MB...29.71 INCHES


WATCHES AND WARNINGS
--------------------
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

However, interests in the Cabo Verde Islands should closely monitor
the progress of the depression since a Tropical Storm Warning may be
required for portions of the islands later tonight or early Tuesday.

The model uncertainty is unclear about the exact track but intensification is possible as waters are above normal along the track.

I hope that the government will issue a Tropical Storm Watch shortly for Tomorrow.  

Vulnerable Areas and threats 

Coastlines

Caption: Airplane approach to the Capital City of Praia

The shape of many coastlines across the islands of  Cabo Verde has open parabolic shapes which can

produce coastal flooding.  The tropical disturbance does not need to cross a particular island but a fetch (water pushed by the winds for many hours) can occur from persistently strong winds producing coastal flooding.    

Flash Flooding

People should not go out tomorrow for work as the roads could be dangerous and flooded.  Please check the TV or Radio if you have to go out

Cape Verde has very steep terrain and many houses that are elevated on hills and so flash flooding could be problematic.   Santiago, Sao Nicolau, Santo Antao, Fogo, and Sao Vicente have some steep terrain with mountains exceeding 3000 feet that falls off rapidly.  

Even in the Capital city of Praia, the houses sit on pretty steep hills which promote fast runoff and potential flash flooding.  Take care near these areas.

Houses in Praia that are elevated on hills 

Preparation Items 

-Make sure that you have flashlight, candles and charge cell phones in the event of loss of power

- Fill your car with gas in the event of power loss

- Take Cash from Bank

- Check-in with family members on other Islands 

Hopefully, things will not be too bad, but better safe than sorry.

Senegal 

Strong storms continue to impact Senegal tonight.  The ocean will remain rough and some coastal flooding is possible with a southerly fetch.