TROPICA STORM KATIA APPROACHING HURRICANE STRENGTH

Current Location: 14.2N/40.8W

Geographic Reference: 1350 miles east
of the Leeward Islands

Movement: West-northwest at 21 mph

Max Winds: 65 mph gusting to 80 mph

Forecast

A general west-northwest motion is likely
for the next 24-36 hours. Afterward, a turn more to the northwest is expected
as the ridge north of Katia weakens. On this track, Katia is forecast to
remain far north of the Leeward Islands on Sunday.

Katia remains a strong tropical storm this
afternoon. Environmental conditions are quite favorable for further
development. Therefore, Katia is forecast to become a hurricane later today
and a category 3 hurricane over the weekend. The confidence in the intensity
forecast is average.

Expected Impacts on Land

High waves could affect the north facing
beaches of the northern Leeward Islands this weekend. Outer squalls could
move over the far northern islands by late Saturday/early Sunday. Although Forecasters
are predicting that Katia will pass far north of the area, residents should
continue to monitor the system as it has not passed the territory.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) will continue to monitor the
weather conditions and provide updates accordingly. Persons can visit the DDM’s
website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe to their notification link to receive
further updates.

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.