Category 3 Hurricane Irma…Watches likely later today or tonight
At 1100 AM AST, the center of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 17.7 north and longitude 48.4 west. Maximum sustained winds are near 115 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.
Irma is moving toward the west-southwest near 14 mph. A turn toward the west is forecast on Monday.
Irma has fluctuated in intensity during the past 24 hours. The eye is not quite as defined as it was earlier. A reconnaissance aircraft is investigating the system later today.
While Irma is currently a small hurricane, guidance suggests some growth during the next 72 hours. This will affect how soon watches may be issued for portions of the Leeward and Virgin Islands.
It is important that residents closely monitor this powerful hurricane as it has the potential to affect the British Virgin Islands.
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.
