As this development is happening, an urgent plea has been made to residents to commence early preparations.

“Personal preparedness measures like reviewing emergency plans, checking on emergency stocks and equipment, and ensuring that the family can be ready for a hazard impact takes time, so we encourage persons to carry out these activities now, rather than waiting for a storm watch or warning to be issued,” Acting Director at the DDM Dr Evangeline Inniss-Springer said.

The BVI has been experiencing rainfall in recent times and Inniss-Springer said these showers can be ‘useful’ in identifying areas in the home, or business environment that requires attention.

“This is an ideal time for persons to inspect their property for leaks and other issues and identify any improvements that can be made ahead of the peak of the hurricane season,” Dr Inniss-Springer added.

Latest weather update

In the meantime, if the weather disturbance in question upgrades to a tropical storm, it will name Isaias and will be the ninth tropical storm for the 2020 season.

“Forecasters have indicated that the disturbance may begin affecting the Lesser Antilles from late Wednesday into Thursday and the British Virgin Islands late Thursday into Friday,” the DDM stated.

It further said forecasters have not ruled out the possibility of the system being a category one hurricane before reaching the territory.

As of 5 am today, Monday, July 27, the weather system was located about 1,638 miles east southeast of the British Virgin Islands.

“It is moving to the west-northwest near 20 miles per hour. This motion should continue for the next two to three days. The chance of tropical development, according to the National Hurricane Centre is 80 percent in 48 hours and 90 percent in five days,” the DDM stated.

Persons are further urged to download the DDM’s Alert app in the Apple App Store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.