Tropical Storm Beryl is gradually weakening and is forecast to degenerate into a trough of low pressure as it moves across the eastern Caribbean Sea on Monday.
Located at 13.7N 56.0W, Barbados remains under Tropical Storm Watch as at 5 a.m. this morning. According to the latest update from Barbados Meteorological Service, TS Beryl is about 240 miles (380 km) east of Barbados.
Storm conditions with wind-speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph (63 to 117 km/h) are possible within the watch area within the next 12 hours. Currently, Beryl has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and is moving WNW or 290 degrees at 20 mph (31 km/h) with a minimum central pressure of 1005 mb (29.68 inches).
On this latest forecast track, Tropical Storm Beryl is estimated to pass between 100 and 120 miles (160 to 190 km) north of Barbados by tonight. However, some pockets of moderate to heavy showers and occasional gusty winds are possible. Rainfall accumulations of 25 – 50mm (1 to 2inches) with isolated higher amounts may occur.
Some deterioration in sea-conditions is also expected as Beryl moves over the chain. Thus, a small-craft warning is in effect for Barbados. A small-craft warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) and wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots (47 to 61 km/h) will be affecting the marine area.
Later tonight/early Monday, the centre of Beryl will move across the Lesser Antilles and move near or south of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Monday. (PR)
