The Barbados Meteorological Department is monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Ophelia which formed over the central tropical Atlantic during the night.
A special bulletin issued this evening by Clairmonte Williams stated that at 11 a.m today, the centre of Tropical Storm Ophelia was centered near 13.0°N 43.6°W or about 1245 miles…2005 km to the east of the Lesser Antilles. It added that maximum sustained winds were 60 mph.
“The system was moving towards the west at about 16 mph…26 km/h and this general motion is expected to continue into tomorrow with a gradual turn towards the west-northwest by Friday” according to the bulletin.
The Met Office noted that although this storm was not expected to directly impact Barbados, some pockets of scattered showers and occasional gusty winds will spread across the island tomorrow ahead of the approaching system. Officials said Barbadians should also brace for similar activity over the weekend.
The centre of Ophelia is expected to move across the Leewards and Northern Windwards late Friday into Saturday.
Met officials said there will also be above normal sea swells and sea bathers and marine interests are urged to take all necessary precautions.
Residents are also asked to continue to monitor further statements issued by the Met office. (PR)
