September 8th 2018 – The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) latest advisories have upgraded Disturbance 1 to Tropical Depression Nine, Disturbance 2 is now Tropical Storm Helene and Florence is expected to regain hurricane strength.
Residents and Visitors should continue to expedite preparations as current information is suggesting that Tropical Depression Nine could be a hurricane when it approaches the Lesser Antilles and has the possibility of affecting the British Virgin Islands.
Now is a good time to review your hurricane and family emergency plans to ensure all your necessities are available.
Florence according to NHC, at 5am, was located near 24.5 North, 54.2 West or approximately 730 miles North East of the British Virgin Islands. Movement is towards the West at 9mph with maximum sustained winds at 65 mph. Tropical storm force winds extend up to 140 miles. The NHC expects Florence to regain strength to a hurricane over the weekend.
Current information from the NHC still keeps Florence a safe distance from the British Virgin Islands however, we will continue to monitor for changes.
Tropical Depression Nine is near 14.3 North, 35.4 West. It is moving west near 5 mph. Movement is to the West North West however a westward motion is expected today. Maximum sustained winds are around 35 mph. The NHC states that this system has the potential to become a tropical storm later today and a hurricane early next week.
Tropical Storm Helene is located along 13.7 North 19.6 West. Maximum sustained winds are 45 mph with TS Helene moving west near 13 mph. Tropical storm force winds extend out to 80 miles from the centre.
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) will continue to monitor the systems and provide updates accordingly.
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.
Image credited to the National Hurricane Centre
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.