A tropical storm has formed in the eastern Atlantic. Residents are urged to monitor the tropical storm as it has the potential to affect the British Virgin Islands in the coming days. Preparations should be made in the event immediate action is necessary to respond to a Tropical Storm Watch or Warning or Hurricane Watch or Warning. The Department of Disaster Management will continue to provide updates on the system.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, at 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Irma was located near latitude 16.4 North, longitude 30.3 West. Irma is moving toward the west near 13 mph (20 km/h) and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
Satellite wind data indicate that the maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Irma could become a hurricane on Friday.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular 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.
