5th November 2010-8PM- According information from
the National Weather Service, Puerto Rico, a mixture of sunshine and clouds
continued across the Virgin Islands during the afternoon as high and low level
clouds moved across the region. The dominant southeast winds created by
Hurricane Tomas, now moving across the windward passage and the strong high
pressure across the north Atlantic, continued to transport showers and isolated
thunderstorms across much of the regional waters.
The prevailing wind flow eventually pushed some of these showers inland
across the VI during the afternoon. However no significant rainfall was
observed. Winds were generally from the southeast around 15 mph with
occasionally higher gusts of 25 mph or more with the passing showers along the
coast and in higher elevation.
Expect considerable amounts of tropical moisture to be drawn northward
across the region by the circulation associated with Hurricane Tomas as it lift
northwards. This increasing moisture will maintain generally unsettled weather
conditions and a fairly wet weather pattern through much of the upcoming
weekend. The overall moist environment combined with local and diurnal effects along
with the prevailing southeast wind flow will continue to aid in producing
periods of showers and isolated thunderstorm activity across the islands mainly
during the early morning and afternoon hours.
MARINE CONDITIONS
A Small craft advisory is in effect
until Saturday Afternoon as seas are expected to be
In the vicinity 8ft with winds around 20 mph from the east south east.
HURRICANE TOMAS
At 8:00 pm the center of Hurricane Tomas was located near latitude 20.4
north longitude 73.1 west. Tomas is moving toward the northeast near 14 mph. This
motion is expected to continue through Saturday followed by a turn toward the
east-northeast at a slower forward speed Saturday night and Sunday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 mph with higher gusts. Tomas is a
category one hurricane on the saffir-simpson hurricane wind scale. Some
strengthening is forecast during the next day or so followed by weakening Saturday
night and Sunday.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and
tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 120 miles mainly to the east of
the center. The minimum central pressure estimated at 994 MB.
Presently Tomas does not pose a threat to the Virgin Islands however outer
rain bands from the system have the possibility of reaching the Territory. Some
of these rain bands contain squalls that may produce heavy rainfall in the Territory.
No flash flood watches or warnings have been issued or forecast for the area;
however, the DDM will continue to monitor for any sudden changes as the system
progresses to the north east.
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.
