Showers are expected to become more frequent as Hurricane Maria shifts to the north and northwest of Barbados today.
In its 5 a.m. update the Barbados Meteorological Services extended the flood warning until noon, noting total rainfall accumulation of three to five inches were likely.
Residents were once again urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation advised that several educational institutions, including the Barbados Community College, Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, all nurseries and Erdiston Teachers’ Training College would be closed.
The University of the West Indies remains open.
At 5 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Maria was located near 14.6°N, 59.5°W or about 100miles or (160km)
north of Barbados.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph (150 km/h) with higher gusts and significant strengthening is forecast during the next forty-eight hours.
The system is moving west-northwestward near 13mph (20km/h), and this motion with a reduction in forward speed is expected through Tuesday.
On this present track, the centre is currently passing to the north of Barbados. Minimum central pressure was 977mb or 28.85 inches.
Over the past twelve hours, rainfall accumulations across Barbados ranged between two and three inches (50 to 75mm), as outer feeder-bands continue to move across the island.
Sustained wind-speeds of 29 to 35mph (46 to 56km/h) with gusts to storm force can also be expected across Barbados today and these conditions will persist into tonight.
In addition, large easterly swells of at least 4 to 6m (13 to 20 ft) are also forecast to accompany the system. Hence, a high-surf advisory and small-craft warning remain in effect until noon on Tuesday September 19, 2017. Â (NB)
