Barbados under Tropical Storm Watch

THE BARBADOS METEOROLOGICAL Services has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Barbados.

This means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 18 to 24 hours.

At 5 p.m. the centre of Tropical Storm Don was located near latitude 11.2 north, longitude 52.6 west or about 485 miles (780 km) east-southeast of Barbados. 

Don is moving toward the west near 17 mph or 28 km/hr.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40mph (65 km/hr) with higher gusts.

Storm force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35km) from the centre. 

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1009mb or 29.80 inches.

On its present track, the centre of Tropical Storm Don is expected to pass about 100 miles to the south of Barbados tomorrow afternoon.

Pockets of moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds in association with this system will move across Barbados tomorrow into early Wednesday.

Rainfall accumulations of one to two inches and swells of 2.5 to 3.0m (8 to 10ft) are possible.

Residents in Barbados should continue to monitor the progress of the storm and take all necessary precautions. 

This information will be updated at 8 p.m. tonight.

This and other related information may be obtained from www.barbadosweather.org  or by dialling 976- 2376. (PR)