At 2 p.m. Tropical Storm Kirk was centred near 12.5N 55.0W or about 305 miles or 495 km east of Barbados.
Reconnaissance aircraft has indicated that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 60 mph (95km/h), with tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 115 miles (185 km) to the northeast and 90 miles to the southeast of the centre.
Little change in strength is forecast until Kirk crosses the Lesser Antilles late tomorrow.
The minimum central pressure was down to 998mb (29.47 inches).
The system continues to move towards the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), with a west to west-northwestward motion expected over the next 12 to 24 hours. On this track, the centre of Kirk is expected to pass about 50 miles to the north of Barbados between tomorrow morning and tomorrow afternoon.
Wind speeds will start to increase across Barbados later tonight, with sustained surface winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 55 km/h) with gusts to storm force expected to spread across the island 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 to 4.5metres (11 to 15ft) are also forecast to accompany the system. These adverse sea-conditions are expected to persist into the weekend 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)
