At the 11am advisory, Jerry was located latitude 18.8 North, longitude 60.3 West or approximately 270 miles away from the British Virgin Islands. The hurricane is still moving at 17 mph. At this current speed the hurricane is expected to pass north of the BVI around Saturday. Air craft reconnaissance has indicated maximum sustained winds have decreased to 85 mph making Jerry category 1 hurricane. Hurricane force winds extend 15 miles from centre with tropical storm force winds extending out 80 miles from the centre.
Although the hurricane is expected to pass north of the BVI, forecasters maintain the potential for heavy rainfall across the territory with isolated amounts between 4 – 6 inches possible in Anegada and 1 -3 inches in other parts of the territory.
Forecasters have also maintained the potential for seas becoming extremely hazardous especially from this afternoon. The High Surf Warning that was issued from this morning is still in effect. There is also the potential that gusty winds from rain bands could be experienced as Hurricane Jerry passes north of the Territory.
Persons should continue to monitor the hurricane as it progresses. Beach users should exercise extreme caution and avoid swimming activities as the potential for rip currents and other dangerous sea conditions exist.
Persons can also download the 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.
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.
