A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Barbados.
A tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph; 63 to 118km/h) associated with a tropical storm or hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 36 hours, in this case within the next 12 hours.
At 11 p.m. Thursday, the centre of Tropical Storm Bret was located near 13.3N 61.1W or approximately 101 miles (163km) to the west of Barbados. It will continue to move westward at 18mph (29km/h).
Over the next few hours as Bret goes over the island chain, an increase in sustained wind speeds is expected as bands extending to the southeast of the system move over Barbados.
Maximum sustained winds associated with the system are near 60mph (95km/h).
High winds can result in the tumbling and rolling of unsecured objects (e.g. inflatable structures, tents and garbage cans), along with breakage of small branches and trees. Some injury and danger to life are possible from flying debris.
Marine conditions will remain moderate to rough in open waters with swells of 2.5m to 3.5m (8ft to 11ft) into early Friday morning. Around Barbados, choppy conditions will particularly affect the eastern and northern coastlines. As a result, a small craft and high surf warning is in effect. Mariners are advised to remain in port.
As the centre tracks to the west of the island, outer bands of Tropical Storm Bret are expected to generate rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 75mm) across Barbados. This may result in flash flooding in low-lying districts.
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression 4 became Tropical Storm Cindy. (PR/SAT)
