A hurricane watch remains in effect for Barbados.
The Barbados Meterological Services advisory issued at 5 a.m. said this means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
At 5 a.m. today Tropical Storm Gonzalo was located near: Latitude 10.0N Longitude 47.0W or about 872MI…1403 KM east of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 65 MPH…100 KM/H Present Movement…W or 270 degrees at 12 MPH…19 KM/H Minimum central pressure…997 MB…29.44 inches.
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 70 miles (110 km) to the south Barbados on Saturday.
The Met office said further strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Gonzalo is expected to become a hurricane later today.
However, the intensity forecast remains very problematic and of low confidence. Earliest time arrival of winds: Sustained storm force winds are expected to spread across Barbados early Saturday, increasing to hurricane force by Saturday afternoon. During which time, sustained 62 to 87 mph (100 to 140 km/h) with higher gusts are expected to affect the island.
Officials advised that some delays to transport routes and travels services should be expected leading up to the arrival of Tropical Storm Gonzalo and during its passage.
“Expect tumbling and rolling of unsecured objects. Some injury and danger to life is possible from flying debris. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is also expected to generate rough to very rough sea swells and flash-flooding. Advisories for these hazards will be issued in the coming days. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8 a.m. and the next complete advisory at 11 a.m. (PR)
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