The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological service has issued a
hurricane warning for the BVI
At 1100 pm the centre of hurricane Gonzalo was located near
latitude 18.7 north longitude 63.4 west. Gonzalo is moving toward the northwest
near 12 mph. On the forecast track the centre of Gonzalo will pass just
Northeast of the British Virgin Islands tonight.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph with higher
gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. Gonzalo
could peak to a Category 3 hurricane in 2 to 4 days.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre
and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.
The latest minimum central pressure measured by the aircraft was 984
mb.
Gonzalo is located approximately 80 miles east of the British
Virgin Islands and is moving North-westward at 12mph. Gonzalo will be making
its closest approach to the British Virgin Islands now through the next 8
hours.
HAZARDS AFFECTING
LAND
Wind: hurricane conditions will continue to spread through the hurricane
warning area tonight and early Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are expected
by this evening. Note that wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills
and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than indicated in this advisory
and in some elevated locations can be even greater.
Rainfall: Gonzalo is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 4
to 8 inches with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches possible across the Leeward
Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
A FLASH FLOOD
WATCH IS IN EFFECT AND HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL MIDNIGHT
Storm surge: Dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 1 to
3 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore flow in the hurricane
warning area.
Surf: Swells generated by Gonzalo are affecting the Leeward Islands from
Dominica northward and the British Virgin Islands and will reach the northern
coast of Puerto Rico tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening
surf and rip current conditions.
A SMALL CRAFT
WARNING IS IN EFFECT AND ALL MARINERS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT.
Residents are urged to finalize preparations before the arrival
of hurricane Gonzalo. Please visit the department of disaster management’s
website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates and follow us on facebook
at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm
