At 5.00 p.m the center of “Chantal” was located near 11.8°N 53.9°W or about 390 miles…630 km to the east southeast of Barbados. Chantal is moving towards the west -north west at 26mph…43 km/h and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days.
Maximum sustained winds are now near 45mph…75km/h with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outwards up to 60 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb…29.68 inches.
On the present track the center of Chantal is forecasted to pass within 50 miles to north of Barbados early on Tuesday morning. However, conditions will begin to deteriorate beyond midnight during which time some moderate to heavy showers, scattered thunderstorms and winds gusting to storm force will start to affect the island. Rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are anticipated. In addition, sea conditions will deteriorate and swells may reach as high as 4 meters (13ft).
Residents should continue to monitor the progress of this system and take all necessary precautions.
