THE AREA OF LOW-PRESSURE east of Barbados has been upgraded to Potential Tropical Cyclone #9 and a small-craft warning has been issued.
A release from the Barbados Meteorological Service says the National Hurricane Centre now has the option to issue advisories on disturbances that are not yet tropical cyclones but which pose the threat of bringing tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land areas within 48 hours.
At 11 a.m. the centre of the system was located near 13.1°N, 54.1°W or about 365 MI or 585 KM east of Barbados. The system is moving westward at 17 mph/ 28 km/h and on this track, the centre is expected to pass near or over Barbados early Friday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (56km/h) with higher gusts.
Deteriorating conditions with pockets of moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to spread across Barbados from tonight and into tomorrow.
Rainfall of 3 to 5 inches or more is forecast.
In addition, large easterly swells of at least 2.5 to 3.0 metres are also forecast to accompany the system and a small craft warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. today.
Some flooding is likely in low-lying areas. Thus, residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
This information will be updated at 2 p.m. today.
