The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the British Virgin Islands. There is the possibility a Tropical Storm Warning may be issued today.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
23rd September 2019 – At 500 AM, the centre of Tropical Storm Karen was located near latitude 13.6 North, longitude 63.9 West. Karen is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph, and this general motion is forecast to continue today. A turn toward the north is expected on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Karen will move across the eastern Caribbean Sea through tonight. On Tuesday, Karen is expected to pass near or over the British Virgin Islands.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Some fluctuations in strength will be possible during the next 48 hours due to strong upper-level winds.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles mainly northeast through southeast of the centre.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 mb,
Impacts on the British Virgin Islands
- Winds gusting to tropical force are possible.
- Possible rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches with isolated amounts 6 inches. These figures may change as the storm gets closer
- Flash flooding, mudslides and rock slides are possible.
What to do
- More statements may be issued. Please monitor and make preparations. Have your hurricane and flood plans available if needed.
Persons can also download the Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.
You can also visit the DDM’s webpage at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm.
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.
