Tropical Storm Ophelia is centered near 18.3N/60.4W, or about 175 miles east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Maximum sustained winds are now near 40 mph with higher wind gusts of up to 50mph. Movement is to the west at 9 mph.
Ophelia remains very disorganized today. All showers and thunderstorms are displaced far to the east of the center. Ophelia is still forecast to remain a weak tropical storm as it moves north of the Leeward Islands over the next 24-36 hours. However, Ophelia could weaken to a remnant low within that time. This system could intensify by midweek as shear weakens along its path.
The displaced center of Ophelia continues to move westward, but it should gradually resume a west-northwesterly to northwesterly motion over the next 12-24 hours. A turn to the north is expected by midweek, which would keep it far away from the U.S. coast.
The heaviest squalls are expected to remain to the northeast of the region, but a few outer storms could move over the islands today and tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Tropical Storm in the Atlantic, Phillipe will continue moving to the west-northwest to northwest over the next couple of days. By midweek, this system is expected to take a northerly turn. Philippe is not expected to impact any land areas.
Philippe is forecast to steadily strengthen for the next 48 hours. We are forecasting Philippe to briefly reach hurricane strength on Tuesday, then slowly weaken as it encounters strong wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures.
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.