REPORTS FROM AN Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft indicate that the strong tropical wave located near Barbados is producing winds of 40 to 45 mph.
The Department of Emergency Management has advised persons to remain indoors and to exercise all precautions.
“The public is advised that the weather system east of Barbados continues to pose a threat to the island. The DEM advises people to exercise all precautions and to remain indoors until further notice,” a release issued this morning said.
Meanwhile the Miami-based National Hurricane Center in its 8 a.m. update said regardless of whether or not the system becomes a tropical storm before it moves through the Lesser Antilles, tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rains will spread across Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, and St Lucia today.
Satellite and surface observations suggest that the circulation associated with the system has become better defined, and the reconnaissance aircraft is beginning its mission to determine if a tropical storm has formed.
The system is moving westward to west-northwestward at around 15 mph, and is expected to pass over the Lesser Antilles later today, and move over the southeastern Caribbean Sea tonight and Thursday.
Interests in the Windward and southern Leeward Islands should consult information from their national meteorological services, including possible tropical storm warnings or watches. Interests in Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, and along the northern coast of South America should also monitor the progress of this disturbance. (NB/RB)
