THE STRONG TROPICAL wave east-southeast of Barbados has been upgraded to Potential Tropical Cyclone #2. The National Hurricane Center now has the option to issue advisories on disturbances that are not yet tropical cyclones, but which pose the threat of bringing tropical storm or hurricane conditions to land areas within 48 hours.
At 5 p.m., the centre of the system was located near 7.5°N 50.4°W at or about 815 miles east-southeast of the Windward islands. The system is expected to move westward to west-northward over the next several hours and on this track, the centre of is expected to pass about 180 miles to south of Barbados late Monday into Tuesday.
However, sustained surface winds of between 40 to 50 knots (45 to 55 mph) with higher gusts on the northern periphery of the potential storm are expected to impact Barbados late Monday into Tuesday morning.
In addition, large easterly swells of at least 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 feet) are also forecasted to accompany the system. Thus, a high-surf advisory and small-craft warning have been issued and will be in effect from 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Deteriorating conditions with pockets of moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected spread across Barbados late tomorrow into Tuesday. Rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 millimetres) are possible.
Some flash-flooding is likely in low-lying areas. Thus, residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.
This information will be updated as conditions warrant. (PR)
