The Barbados Meteorological Services issued the following bulletin at 11 p.m., September 26, 2016.
THE BARBADOS Meteorological Services is monitoring the progress of a strong tropical wave about 564 nautical miles/649 statute miles (1045 km) to the east south east of Barbados.
The overall cloud pattern has improved over the past few hours as the system slowly becomes better organised, however at this time most of the associated deep convection remains north of the elongated centre.
The system is moving westward to west-northwestward at about 15 to 20 mph or 24 to 32 km/h, with an accompanying area of low pressure centred along the wave axis near 10.4N 50.5W.
Environmental conditions will remain conducive for continued gradual development over the next 24 to 36 hours, and a tropical depression could form by late Tuesday or early Wednesday as the system nears Barbados and the southern Windward islands.
Regardless of tropical cyclone development, moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and winds gusting to storm force are likely to spread across the island late Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 millimeters) are possible along the path of the system.
In addition, swells of 4 to 5 meters (12 to 15 feet) are expected in open water. This will prompt a warning for small craft and sea bathers for Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
Residents in Barbados should continue to monitor the progress of this system.
This information will be updated at 6 a.m. Tuesday or sooner if conditions warrant.
This and other related information may be obtained from www.barbadosweather.org or www.agriculture.gov.bb or by dialling 976 2376. (PR)
