A hurricane watch was issued for Barbados earlier tonight as Tropical Storm Gonzalo approaches the island.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
According to latest bulletin from the Barbados Meteorological Services, at 11 p.m., Gonzalo was located near Latitude 9.9N Longitude 45.9W or about 945 miles (1 522km) east of Barbados. The system has maximum sustained winds of 60mph (95km/h) and is moving westward at 12mph (19km/h).
Sustained storm force winds are expected to spread across Barbados early Saturday, July 25, increasing to hurricane force by afternoon. Sustained winds 50 to 75 mph (80 to 120 km/h) with higher gusts should affect the island.
The intensity forecast remains very problematic and of low confidence.
The cyclone structure, light shear environment and warm sea surface temperatures suggest strengthening should occur, possibly even rapidly, but several numerical models continue to forecast the system to weaken to an open wave after it passes the island, possibly due to dry air entrainment and large-scale subsidence.
Residents should expect some delays to transport routes and travels services on lead up to the arrival of Tropical Storm Gonzalo and should try to secure objects like tents, garbage cans and so on which may be tossed around. Â
Some injury and danger to life is possible from flying debris.
Gonzalo is also expected to generate rough to very rough sea swells and flash-flooding. Advisories for these hazards will be issued in the coming days. (PR/SAT)
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