7th October 2010 – 5AM The Antigua Meteorological Service has discontinued the Flash Flood Warning for the Virgin Islands at this time however a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect until 6PM today. A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas where grounds are already saturated from recent rains.
At 500 AM, the center of Subtropical Storm Otto was located near latitude 23.6 north longitude 68.2 west. The storm is moving toward the north near 2 mph. A turn toward the northeast and an increase in forward speed is expected by late tonight. On the forecast track Otto should remain well to the east of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. A faster northeastward motion is forecast by late Friday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Otto could transition into a tropical storm later today and could become a hurricane over the next 48 hours. Winds of 40 mph extend outward up to 105 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 992 mb.
While many of the roads experienced mudslides and flooding, the Public Works Department has started clearing the main roads. Public and private schools remain closed today.
Additional periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms will still be possible during today. DDM weather station in the Road Town area has collected 17.4 inches of rain since 5th October 2010.
Residents and visitors are reminded to continue to EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION as some roads have become impassable or dangerous to drive on. However, if driving becomes necessary, please be extremely careful when doing so.
DDM will continue to monitor this system and provide releases as necessary. Please visit the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com for continuously updated information.
