The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Hurricane Watch for the British Virgin Islands.
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, at 200 PM AST (1800 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 53.8 West. Irma is moving toward the west-southwest near 14 mph (22 km/h). A turn toward the west is expected later today, followed by a west-northwestward turn late Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Irma will move near or over portions of the northern Leeward Islands Tuesday night and early Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Irma is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Strengthening is forecast during the next
couple of days.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).
The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from an Air Force Reserve Hunter aircraft is 944 mb (27.88 inches).
The latest minimum central pressure estimated from data received by the reconnaissance aircraft is 944 mb.
Full Weather Advisory to follow at 5PM.
PROBABLE IMPACTS
Rain: Rainfall estimates of 8 inches – 14 inches
Winds: Possible 120 mph with higher gusts. Wind speeds may increase as the hurricane continues to strengthen.
Storm Surge: Storm Surge estimates are in the range of 10 feet to 14 feet
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates and preparedness tips.
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
