According
to the Antigua Met Office a tropical wave will
cause unsettled weather across the area over most of the next 24 hours. Minor
flooding is possible in low lying and flood prone areas. A storm watch will likely be issued sometime today in anticipation
of Tropical Storm Maria.
Today: Cloudy with
showers likely, some heavy, and a chance of thunderstorms. Chance of showers is
70%; chance of thunderstorms is 50%.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy
with showers likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Chance of showers is
60%; chance of thunderstorms 20%.
Winds: The winds will
be ESE at 11 to 17 knots today and ENE at 13 to 19 knots tonight. The winds
will be 2 to 4 knots stronger over open waters and elevated places..
Seas: The seas will
be moderate with peak waves of 1.8 metres or 6 feet. Small craft operators and sea bathers should exercise caution..
At 8 am the centre of Tropical Storm Maria was located near
latitude 13 north, longitude 50 west or about 1064 miles ESE Virgin Islands.
Maria is moving toward the west at 23 miles per hour. This general
motion is expected to continue today followed by a gradual turn toward the
west-northwest and a decrease in forward speed on Friday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 50 mph with higher gusts.
Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. A hurricane
hunter aircraft is schedule to investigate Maria late today.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the
centre.
Residents should continue to monitor the progress of Maria and
make the necessary preparations. The Department of Disaster Management will
continue to monitor the Storm and provide updates when necessary. Please visit the Department of Disaster
Management’s website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe to the notification link.
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.
