At 11 p.m. Tropical Storm Kirk was centred near 13.0N 57.0W or about 170 miles (270 km) east of Barbados.
Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 50 mph (85km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 140 miles (220 km) to the east and north of the centre, and 120 miles (190 km) to the southeast of the centre. Some weakening is forecast as the system approaches the northern Windwards.
The minimum central pressure was 1002mb (29.59 inches).
The system is moving towards the west north-west near 16 mph (26 km/h). This motion is expected to continue over the next few days. On this track, the centre of Kirk is expected to pass about 50 miles to the north of Barbados between tomorrow morning (8 a.m.) and tomorrow afternoon (2 p.m.).
Sustained surface winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 55 km/h) with gusts to storm force are expected to spread across the island from mid-morning tomorrow.
In addition, pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected. Rainfall accumulations of at least two to four inches (50 to 100 mm) are possible between Thursday and Friday morning. Some flash-flooding is likely in low-lying areas, thus, residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
Large easterly to south-easterly swells of 3.5 – 5.0 metres (11 to 17ft) 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.
Low-lying coastlines around the island will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide.
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)
