LOCATION: 17.7 degrees north, 67.7 degrees west
DISTANCE: ABOUT 222 MILES WEST SOUTH WEST OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
MOVEMENT: WEST 17 MPH
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 50 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE: 1006MB
At 5:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was estimated near latitude 17.7 degrees north, longitude 67.7 degrees west or about 222 miles west-southwest of the BVI. Erika is moving toward the west near 17 mph. Erika is expected to make a slight turn to the west north west sometime later today.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. No significant change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. The Department of Disaster Management during the last hour has recorded sustained winds of 16 mph in the MacNamara area.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 150 miles. The minimum central pressure is 1006 mb.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the British Virgin Islands as the system is currently affecting the Territory.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services advises that rainfall generated by the system is still possible.
The marine warning remains in effect for mariners, small craft operators and sea bathers. Mariners should remain in safe anchorage.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the updates issued by the National Emergency Operations Centre.
Visit the DDM website at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BVIDDM.
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.
