Omar, A Major Category 3 Hurricane.
Hurricane Omar strengthened overnight, and is now a major category 3 hurricane. As of 8 a.m. EDT, the center was located about 160 miles NNE of the northern Leeward Islands.
Omar's maximum sustained winds are 115 mph near the center. The hurricane has likely peaked and some weakening should occur in the next 24 hours. Currently, hurricane-force winds extend out about 35 miles from the center.
All tropical warnings and watches have been discontinued.
Omar is accelerating northeastward, away from the islands. Gusty winds and heavy rain will still occur this morning, but conditions should improve quickly by this afternoon.
Some reported wind gusts include: 50 mph at St. Thomas, 62 mph at St. Croix, and 70 mph at St. Maarten. As much as 5.69 inches of rain was also recorded at St. Croix. While these winds and rain are not extreme, keep in mind the center of the hurricane, with the most severe weather, passed between the main islands.
Remnants of Tropical Depression 16
The remnants of Tropical Depression 16 will continue to bring heavy rain to parts of Central America, while it drifts slowly westward and weakens. Flash flooding and mudslides will remain possible for northern Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.