At 11 a.m. Tropical Storm Kirk was centred near 13.8N 59.3W or about 45 miles (70km) east north-east of Barbados.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 50 mph (85km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 120 miles (190 km) to the east and north of the centre, and 110 miles (175 km) to the southeast of the centre. Some weakening is forecast as the system continues to approach the northern Windward Islands.
The minimum central pressure was 999mb (29.50 inches).
The system is moving towards the west north-west near 15 mph (24 km/h). This motion is expected to continue over the next 12 to 24 hours. The centre of the system is presently passing about 50 miles to the north of Barbados. As a result wind-speeds across the island have increased to 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h) with occasional higher gusts and this trend is expected to continue into the afternoon and tonight.
Based on recent satellite and radar imagery, some pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms are still likely during the next 12 to 24 hours. However, we are now likely to see rainfall accumulations of only one to two inches (25 to 50 mm). Residents should still remain on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
Easterly to south-easterly swells of 3.0 – 3.5 metres (10 to 11ft) are also forecast to accompany the system. These adverse sea-conditions are expected to persist into the week-end when northerly swells being generated by the remnants of Post-Tropical cyclone Leslie in the north-central Atlantic, propagate southwards across the Lesser Antilles.
Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water.
Thus, a high-surf advisory and small-craft warning remain in effect until 6 a.m. Monday, October 1. (PR)
