The Barbados Meteorological Services is monitoring the progress of hurricane Jose which was centered near latitude 16.3 °N, longitude 57.1°W or about 415 miles (670 km) to the east southeast of the northern Leewards at 11 a.m today.
It is moving towards the west northwest at 18mph (30km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 150mph (240km/h).
This makes Jose a category four system on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are expected during the next 24 to 36 hours.
This system poses no direct threat to Barbados.
However it is initially forecast to generate above normal easterly to east northeasterly swells of 3.0 to 4.0m (10 – 13 feet) mainly along eastern and northern coastlines of Barbados.
As Jose tracks well north of Barbados by tonight it is forecast that these large swells will begin to impact the northwestern, western and southern coastlines of the island.
Large waves and dangerous rip-currents can be expected which will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water. This activity is expected to persist into Saturday and may become even more adverse at times of high tide.
As a consequence, a high surf advisory and small craft warning will remain in effect through to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
A small-craft warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 3 m (10ft) will be affecting the marine area.
A high-surf advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.
This and other related information may be obtained from www.barbadosweather.org, the Barbados Meteorological Services Facebook page or by dialling 976-2376.
