September 23, 2018
The National Hurricane Centre continues to monitor multiple systems in the Atlantic however; two systems (Tropical Depression 11 and Disturbance 1, which is now Tropical Storm Kirk) are of immediate concern to the British Virgin Islands.
Residents should continue to monitor the systems and be prepared to take action in the event that they develop and pose a threat to the Territory.
Tropical Depression 11
Location: 14.5 North 55.0 West
Movement: North West at 6 mph
Geographic Location: The centre of depression 11 is about 688 miles east south east of the BVI
Winds: 30 mph
Situation for the BVI
Forecasters are expecting Tropical Depression 11 to dissipate just of East of the Lesser Antilles later tonight. Remnants may produce unsettled weather in the BVI early next week. Possible rainfall amounts from Monday to Wednesday .60 to 1.2 inches. Please note this information is based on the present forecast.
Tropical Storm Kirk
Tropical Storm Kirk formed at 8.3 North making it the lowest forming Tropical Storm in the Atlantic since 1902 according to Dr. Phillip Klotsbach, Professor/Scientist at the Colorado State University.
Kirk’s present location according to National Hurricane Centre’s 5am forecast was 9.1 North, 28.0 West which places Kirk over 2500 miles from the BVI. The tropical storm is presently moving West at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and tropical storm force winds extending to 70 miles from the centre. Barometric Pressure is 1006mb.
Situation for the BVI
A high level of uncertainty exists with the track and development of Tropical Storm Kirk as it continues to move west. Worst case scenario is if the system were to continue at its present speed it should be in the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles in 5 to 6 days. It is still too early to say what effects it will have on the BVI, however, we will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as they become available.
Persons at home and abroad are encouraged to download the DDM’s Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.
You can also visit the DDM’s webpage at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
