A tropical storm warning is in effect for Barbados and an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate later this afternoon.
A tropical storm warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical storm-force winds.
Barbados Meteorological Services said in a bulletin that at 5 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Gonzalo was located near 10.0N 51.8W or about 560 MI (901 km) east south east of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds associated with the system remained near 60 mph (95 km/h).
Storm-force winds extend outward only to 25 miles (35 km) from the centre as the system moved westward or 275 degrees at 14 mph or 22km/h.
The bulletin said minimum central pressure was 1000 MB (29.53 inches) and significant convection associated with Gonzalo has been consistent during the past few hours.
It is possible that Gonzalo can regain strength as it continues on its westward to west-northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed throughout the weekend.
On its forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to pass approximately 90 miles (144 km) to the south of Barbados on Saturday. There is still the possibility of Gonzalo becoming a Category 1 hurricane within the next day or two, considering the uncertainty in the intensity forecast due to its compact size.
Sustained storm force winds are likely to spread across Barbados from Saturday morning, possibly increasing to hurricane force during the afternoon. Sustained wind speeds of 60 to 75 mph (97 to 120 km/h) with higher gusts are likely.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo is also likely to generate rough to very rough sea swells during its passage. An advisory for this hazard may become necessary from today if conditions warrant. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8 a.m. (PR)
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