Tropical depression may upgrade today, affect BVI Saturday
A tropical depression expected to affect the territory by this weekend is forecast to develop into a tropical storm later today, Wednesday, August 12.
A weather bulletin from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said the weather system has continued to become more organised and is likely to see strengthened wind speeds.
“Maximum sustained winds are near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today,” the DDM stated.
The DDM also detailed the latest position of the depression and said, “at its current track, it should pass near or north of the territory around Saturday.”
The centre of the weather system is said to be located approximately 1,489 miles east-south-east of the British Virgin Islands and is moving westerly near 15 miles per hour.
“This general motion is expected to continue through today,” the DDM said.
“A motion toward the west-northwest at a similar forward speed is forecast to begin tonight and continue through the rest of the week,” it added.
While there are no coastal watches or warnings which are in effect over the BVI, the DDM is asking all residents to continue monitoring the weather system as it nears the territory.
“Maximum sustained winds are near 35 miles per hour with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today,” the DDM stated.
The DDM also detailed the latest position of the depression and said, “at its current track, it should pass near or north of the territory around Saturday.”
The centre of the weather system is said to be located approximately 1,489 miles east-south-east of the British Virgin Islands and is moving westerly near 15 miles per hour.
“This general motion is expected to continue through today,” the DDM said.
“A motion toward the west-northwest at a similar forward speed is forecast to begin tonight and continue through the rest of the week,” it added.
While there are no coastal watches or warnings which are in effect over the BVI, the DDM is asking all residents to continue monitoring the weather system as it nears the territory.