TS DORIAN: 5 p.m. update

Article by PR

Tropical Storm Dorian is gradually approaching Barbados.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Barbados, and a tropical storm watch has been issued for Puerto Rico.

At 5 p.m. Dorian was centred near 12.7N, 58.8W or about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the centre. The minimum central pressure is 1002mb (29.59 inches).

The system continues moving towards the west-northwest at 14 mph (22 km/h). On this track, the centre of Dorian is expected to pass over or near Barbados later this evening or early tonight.

Wind speeds across the island have gradually increased during the past two to three hours, with sustained surface winds of 50 to 60mph (85 to 97km/h) with higher gusts expected to spread across Barbados later this evening and persist into early tomorrow morning.

Cloudy to overcast skies and scattered showers have already started to affect the island, and conditions are expected to further deteriorate into tonight, with pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and scattered thunderstorms.

Rainfall accumulations of at least four to six inches (100 to 150 mm) are expected with the possibility of higher isolated amounts. As a result, some flash-flooding is likely in low-lying areas.

Large easterly to south-easterly swells of 2.5 to 3.5 metres (eight to 12 feet) are also forecast to accompany the system. Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. (PR)