A hurricane watch remains in effect for Barbados as Tropical Storm Gonzalo gains strength.
Barbados Meteorological Services said that at 11 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Gonzalo was located near 9.6N 48.3W or about 800MI or 1285 km East South East of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds are 65 mph or 100 km/h. Present Movement…W or 270 degrees at 14 mph or 23 km/h. Minimum central pressure is 997 MB or 29.44 inches.
The bulletin said a general westward motion at a faster forward speed is expected, followed by a turn toward the west-northwest on Saturday. On its current forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to pass approximately 130 miles (210 km) to the south of Barbados on Saturday.
“The structure of the system has become a bit disorganised from the previous day as Gonzalo is currently encountering a dry environment. Despite this, further strengthening is still forecast during the next couple of days with Gonzalo likely to become a hurricane later tonight or on Friday.
“The intensity forecast remains very problematic and of low confidence due to the small size of the cyclone and occasional dry air entrainment,” the statement said.
Sustained storm force winds are likely to spread across Barbados from Saturday morning, increasing to hurricane force by Saturday afternoon.
During this time, sustained wind speeds of 70 to 80 mph (110 to 130 km/h) with higher gusts are likely to affect the island. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 2 p.m., followed by a complete advisory at 5 p.m. (PR)
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