REMNANTS OF GASTON COULD BRING HEAVY SHOWERS

At 10:00AM the center of Gaston was located near Latitude 17.4 North Longitude 56.5 West, or about 350 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Gaston is moving toward the west near 15mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 35mph making Gaston a remnant low or a low pressure system. Gaston is expected to continue tracking west to west-northwest for the next few days.

 The forecast for the BVI indicates that squalls will begin to affect the area tomorrow afternoon with winds from the north-northeast between 20–30mph with higher gusts. The point of closest approach of the center to our location would be on Wednesday morning at 3:20am.  Scattered rainfall amounts can be expected in the range of 2-3 inches from Tuesday afternoon to midday Thursday. Tides could be 1-2 feet above normal on the eastern and southern shores of the islands.

 Gaston continues to struggle with easterly wind shear and dry air. Most global models predict Gaston will dissipate over the next 2-3 days, while the hurricane intensity models predict some strengthening. Experts think that Gaston will not change much over the next 2-3 days, then will slowly strengthen later this week as upper-level wind shear decreases. Gaston could regain tropical storm status late Thursday or early Friday.

 Residents are urged not to become relaxed, but to remain in a state of high alert. We are now in the peak of the 2010 Hurricane Season, and any preparedness issues not addressed earlier should be taken care of as soon as possible.  Further advisories and information on developing systems in the Atlantic can be found on the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com.