A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for Barbados. Barbados Meteorological Services issued an advisory this morning at 5 a.m. and Barbadians should note storm conditions with wind-speeds between 39 mph and 73 mph (63 to 117 km/h) are possible within the watch area within 36 hours.
At 5 a.m. Hurricane ‘Beryl’ was located near 11.1N 49.8W or about 670 miles (1 080) km east of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h).
Present movement is towards the west-northwest at 14 mph (22 km/h). A west-northwestward motion with some increase in forward speed is expected during the next few days. Estimated minimum central pressure is 995 MB or 29.39 inches.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 10 miles (20km) and storm force winds up to 35 miles (55km) from the center of Beryl.
On its present track, the center of Hurricane Beryl is estimated to pass between 70 and 100 miles (110 to 130 km) north of Barbados late Sunday/early Monday before moving over the northern Lesser Antilles.
Due to the small size of the hurricane, short-term changes in intensity, up or down, could occur over the next day or two, but Beryl is forecast to remain near hurricane strength as it nears the Lesser Antilles.
Regardless of development, pockets of moderate to heavy showers and occasional gusty winds are forecast over Barbados from Sunday into Monday. Rainfall accumulations of 25 – 50mm (1 to 2 inches) with isolated higher amounts are possible over some sections of Barbados.
Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate by Sunday afternoon with sea-swells to range between 3.0 and 4.0 metres (10 – 13 feet). As a consequence a High-surf Advisory and Small-craft warning will go into effect from 6 p.m. Saturday, July 7 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 9.
Large waves and dangerous rip-currents can be expected which will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators.
Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water during that time. This activity may become even more adverse at times of high tide.
A small-craft warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) and wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots (47 to 61 km/h) will be affecting the marine area.
A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. (PR)
