Disturbance
23 is moving westward at about 17 mph. The disturbance has good organization
and a low-level circulation. It is highly likely that this system will be
declared a tropical depression later today. Forecasters expect it to track to
the west and west-northwest over the next five days. Forecasters expect it to reach the
Lesser Antilles late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. By then it could be
a tropical storm. It could be a hurricane by the time it is just south of the
Virgin Islands Wednesday morning. On Wednesday it could move very near or over
Puerto Rico. Thereafter forecasters think it will pass near the eastern
Dominican Republic toward the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas. The
associated squalls are likely Monday morning in the Lesser Antilles. Heavy
rainfall will accompany tropical storm force and/or hurricane conditions in the
region.
Residents are encouraged to
monitor the system for any sudden changes as it may pose a threat to the
territory. The DDM is also encouraging persons to make the necessary
preparations if they have not already done so. Waiting until formal watches and
warnings to be issued can be too late for some individuals depending on where
the system develops. The 2011 hurricane season is projected to be very active.
Please visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com
and subscribe to the DDM’s 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.
