At 2:00 pm the center of Tropical Storm Irene was located near latitude 17.5
north, longitude 63.7 west or about 80 miles south-southeast of Tortola. Irene
is moving toward the west-northwest at 18 miles per hour. This general motion
is expected to continue for the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds
are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast for the next
day or so. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 150 miles
mainly to the north of the centre.
On its present track the system is expected to pass 80miles south east of
the territory. During this period weather conditions will continue to
deteriorate and the VI will experience Tropical Storm conditions from this
afternoon into Monday. Weather conditions are expected improve late Monday morning
into the afternoon.
Residents are asked to monitor the weather conditions as Tropical Storm
Irene has the potential to strengthen while gusty winds and flooding remains a
major issue.
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.
