Tropical Depression #11 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Josephine.
The Barbados Meteorological Services said in a bulletin it is monitoring the progress of this system which was centred near 13.7N 49.2W or about 706 miles (1 137 kilometres) to the east of Barbados a1 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are now near 45 mph (75 km/h) and the estimated minimum central pressure is 1 005 mb. Its present movement is WNW or 295 degrees at 15 mph (24 km/h).
Josephine is forecast to continue on its west-northwestward track over the next several days. On its current forecast track, the system should pass well north of Barbados on Saturday.
The system has shown some improvement over the last few hours and is expected to further intensify as it moves into a move favourable environment tonight into tomorrow.
The Met Office said southwesterly wind shear is expected to significantly affect the system’s structure, resulting in weakening as it nears the northern Leewards.
The public is advised to monitor updates from the Barbados Meteorological Services over the next few days.
The next update will be at noon on Friday, or sooner if conditions warrant. (PR)
