2ND September 2010 – At 11:00AM Tropical Depression Gaston was located near 14.0/38.9W, or about 1500 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, moving northwest at 7 mph. Maximum sustained winds are holding at 35 mph and the minimum central pressure was recorded at 1008MB.
Gaston is expected to track slowly to the west to west-northwest for the next few days. Following this, a faster motion to the west-northwest is expected as high-pressure builds to the north of the system, taking Gaston in the general direction of the northern Leeward Islands. However, any possible impacts would be expected past Tuesday.
Easterly wind shear should result in slow re-strengthening over the next 2-3 days, followed by a faster rate of intensification. The experts predict that Gaston will develop Category Two strength before arriving in our area.
Presently, Gaston is regaining tropical storm strength far more slowly than forecasted. Beyond 72 hours, assuming the predictions for strengthening over the next 3 days holds through, it’s possible that Gaston may be stronger than forecasted.
Residents are strongly urged to continue to pay close attention to this developing system.
The DDM continues to closely monitor Gaston and provide weather updates at the Department of Disaster Management’s website (www.bviddm.com).
