Elsa strengthens as it approaches Barbados

Maximum sustained winds associated with Tropical Storm Elsa increased over the last few hours.

At 11 a.m., winds were at 45 miles per hour or 75 kilometres, up from 40 (65km/h) at 8 a.m. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles (145 km) mainly to the north of the centre, which was located near latitude 10.1N longitude 51.4W or about 580 miles (933km) eastsoutheast of Barbados.

Elsa is currently moving towards the west (280 degrees) at 28 MPH (44 km/h). An even faster motion towards the west-northwest is expected over the next 24 to 36 hours. On its current forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Elsa should pass about 40 miles (65 km) to the south of Barbados on Friday morning.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Barbados.

A tropical-storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39–73 mph; 63–118km/h) associated with a tropical storm or hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 36 hours, in this case, the very early hours of Friday morning.

Rainfall accumulations of 6 to 8 inches are forecast across Barbados on Friday and watches or warnings for flash-flooding may be issued from Thursday evening.

Residents should secure objects (e.g. inflatable structures, tents and garbage cans). Multiple interruptions to power utilities and services are expected if the country is impacted.

The next advisory from the Barbados Meteorological Services will be issued at 2 p.m. (PR/SAT)