Tropical Storm Elsa gets stronger

The tropical storm warning remains in effect for Barbados.

At 11 p.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Elsa was located near latitude 11.8N longitude 55.9W or about 260 miles (420km) eastsoutheast of Barbados.

Maximum sustained winds: 50 mph or 85km/h with higher gusts.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km) mainly to the north of the centre. At this time, predictions indicate that winds are likely to increase from as early as 1 or 2 a.m., with the stronger winds likely to start from 4 or 5 a.m.

Elsa is currently moving towards the west (290 degrees) at 26 mph (43 km/h).

An even faster motion towards the west-northwest is expected over the next 48 hours. On its current forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Elsa should pass about 20 miles (33km) to the south of Barbados on Friday morning.

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

The next advisory will be at 2 a.m.