The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is monitoring Disturbance 1 which has become a Tropical Depression and Tropical Storm Lee which has developed in the Atlantic. Residents are urged to monitor the systems as they have the potential to impact the British Virgin Islands.
Tropical Depression
Disturbance 1 has become a Tropical Depression. At 2:00 P.M, Tropical Depression Fifteen (formerly Disturbance 1)was centered near latitude 11.9 degrees North, longitude 51.6 degrees West. The depression is moving toward the west near 20 miles per hour (mph). A slower west-northwest motion is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the system is expected to approach the Leeward Islands on Monday. Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.
Strengthening is expected during the next 48 hours. The depression is forecast to become a tropical storm later today and could be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Leeward Islands. Tropical storm conditions with strong wind and heavy rain are possible Wednesday through Thursday, resulting in flooding.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 millibars.
Tropical Storm Lee
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Fourteen developed into Tropical Storm Lee earlier today. The latest forecast shows the center of Tropical Storm Lee was located near latitude 12.5 degrees North, longitude 33.1 degree West or about 655 Miles West-south-west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Lee is moving toward the west near 12 mph. A westward or west-northwestward motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 millibars.
Meanwhile, the general weather forecast for the BVI, valid until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 shows the presence of a mid to upper level trough will maintain a slight to moderate chance for shower activity overnight into early Sunday morning. Thereafter, a drier and more stable atmosphere will move into the area and restrict any meaningful shower activity.
Fair to partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with a slight chance of a late night shower, becoming partly sunny skies in general Sunday with a moderate chance of an early morning shower. Winds are Easterly to East-south-easterly at 8 to 14 knots with lighter spells overnight.
Seas are moderate to locally rough, with swells of 4 to 7 feet. Small craft operators and sea bathers should continue to exercise caution.
Atmospheric Pressure is near normal.
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates.
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.
