According to the Antigua Meteorological Center, a small area of low pressure is approaching the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands that will bring cloudiness and showers to the islands today and tonight. Skies will be sunny at first becoming increasingly cloudy later tonight with scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms could also develop. Winds will be from Northeast to East-Northeast at 7 – 14 knots with higher gusts in showers.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ophelia has formed in the Atlantic. TS Ophelia is located 12.6N and 41.8W, which is approximately 1200 miles east of Barbados. Ophelia is moving West to West-Northwest at 13 mph with 45mph winds and higher wind gusts of up to 55 mph and is gradually increasing in size.
Forecasters have said that Ophelia has become slightly stronger over the past few hours with the potential of strengthening over the next few days. It is forecasted that Ophelia will continue to track to the west to west-northwest over the next couple of days with a quicker turn to the northwest, which would take the center of Ophelia just north of the northern Leeward Islands on Sunday.
The first squalls are likely to impact the Lesser Antilles during the day on Saturday bringing wind gusts to tropical storm force and rough seas.
Residents should continue to monitor the progress of Ophelia 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.
