Tropical Storm Ophelia is centered near 16.9/55.2 W, or about 415 miles east of Guadeloupe. Maximum sustained winds are now near 50 mph with higher wind gusts of up to 65mph. Movement is to the Northwest at 14 mph. Ophelia is forecast to move north of the northern Leeward Islands this weekend.
Ophelia is holding on in the face of strong wind shear and should continue to track to the northwest, slowing down quite a bit on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday Ophelia will be shifting northward. A trough emerging off the coast of North America will keep Ophelia from being a threat to the East Coast of the United States.
Ophelia is expected to slowly weaken over the next 48 hours. In the 4-5 day range, the shear could decrease enough to allow for some strengthening and will remain a sheared tropical storm over the next several days.
The heavy squalls are expected to remain to the northeast of the region on Sunday and Monday.
All residents should continue to monitor the progress of Ophelia or any other activities that may develop in the Atlantic and make necessary preparations. The Department of Disaster Management will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary. Please visit the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe to the notification link.
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.
