A severe weather advisory has been issued by the Meteorological Office at the Maurice Bishop International Airport.

The bulletin, provided Wednesday evening to the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), references two weather systems, one of which is already affecting the country.

The bulletin states that at 5:00 p.m., the disturbance was centered near latitude 9.6 North, longitude 43.7 West, about 1050 nautical miles east southeast of Grenada.

The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 21 miles per hour (mph) (33 km/h) Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the disturbance has a high chance (70%) of becoming Tropical cyclone Elsa within the next 48 hours, and a (90%) chance of formation within the next five days.

On the forecast track, weather models indicate that the core of system will pass near or over portions of the Windward Islands or the southern Leeward Islands on Friday, just north of Grenada and, move into the eastern Caribbean Sea late Friday and Friday night. Regardless of its development, this system is expected to bring showers and thundershowers to Grenada and the rest of the Windward Islands on Friday.

Residents of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique can expect cloudy to overcast conditions with showers (which may become heavy) and thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds by Friday afternoon. The likelihood of significant impacts is greater for the sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The Met Office continues to closely monitor the progress of this system as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.

Potential impacts are expected to be most significant across the northern section of the state, with a medium chance of flash flooding;  downed trees and powerlines, landslides and rock falls.

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Tropical storm watches have been issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Barbados. HOWEVER, GRENADA HAS NOT BEEN PLACED UNDER TROPICAL STORM WATCH OR WARNING AT THIS TIME.

NaDMA will advise if or when this changes.

As is customary in the case of imminent hazard impact, members of the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEAC) met in the first emergency session Wednesday afternoon.

A second meeting of NEAC is scheduled for Thursday at midday to determine strategic actions on the way forward, as the second system approaches. It is expected to impact the country on Friday and Saturday.

With both systems expected to bring significant rainfall and possibly causing rock and tree falls, one of the critical decisions coming out of the NEAC meeting is the mobilisation and strategic positioning of heavy equipment to facilitate a speedy response in the likely event of landslides.

By Wednesday evening, NaDMA had already received several reports of flooding throughout the island, therefore motorists are urged to be extremely cautious when driving along wet roads. Pedestrians are also encouraged to exercise due care and attention.

Farmers across the country, are also advised to be cautious and ensure their animals and farming equipment are protected from possible flood waters.

Boaters and other marine users are advised that seas are expected to moderate to rough and a marine advisory is currently in effect.

NaDMA on advise from the Meteorological Office will continue to monitor the system and provide timely updates.