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TROPICAL STORM ERIKA 8AM UPDATE

TROPICAL STORM ERIKA 8AM UPDATE

August 27, 20151837Views
LOCATION: 16.5 degrees North, 62.7degrees West
DISTANCE: ABOUT 163 MILES EAST SOUTH EAST OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 
MOVEMENT: WEST NEAR 16 MPH 
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 50 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE: 1005 MB
At 8:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was estimated near latitude 16.5 degrees north, longitude 62.7 degrees west or about 163 miles ESE of the BVI. Erika is moving toward the west near 16 mph. A turn toward the west-northwest is forecast later today, and this general motion should continue for the next 48 hours.  
On the forecast track, the centre of Erika will move near the Virgin Islands later today, move near or north of Puerto Rico tonight, and pass north of the north coast of the Dominican Republic on Friday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles, mainly to the north and east of the center.
The minimum central pressure estimated from Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft data is 1005 mb. 
Erika is expected to produce minimal storm force winds ranging between 35 and 55 mph. However, peak gusts of 50 to 75 mph are possible
A Tropical Storm Warning is still in effect for the British Virgin Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the British Virgin Islands sometime today.
Heavy showers and storms are likely to affect the Leeward Islands today, the Virgin Islands by this evening and overnight.  The showers and storms could produce locally heavy rainfall that could result in localized flooding. Some of the strongest storms could contain wind gusts strong enough to cause scattered power outages.    
The Antigua Meteorological Service issued a marine warning for mariners, small craft operators and sea bathers since yesterday.  Mariners should have already sought safe anchorage for their vessels, as seas are deteriorating and could peak near 12 feet during the passage of Erika. 
The next advisory will be issued at 11:00 a.m. Residents are encouraged to visit the DDM website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BVIDDM. 
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.