LOCATION: 16.8 degrees North, 61.5 degrees West
DISTANCE: ABOUT 214 MILES EAST SOUTH EAST OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
MOVEMENT: WEST NEAR 16 MPH
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 50 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE: 1003 MB
Tropical Storm Erika has shown a slight increase in strength since the last advisory.
At 500 AM, the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 61.5 West. 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 center of Erika will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands this morning and move near the Virgin Islands later today
Maximum sustained winds have increased to 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 centre.
The latest minimum central pressure based is 1003 mb.
EXPECTED IMPACT
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 ft during the passage of Erika.
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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.
