A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Barbados.
A tropical-storm watch is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 miles per hour; 63 to 118kmh) associated with a tropical storm or hurricane could affect Barbados within 48 hours.
At 2 a.m. Wednesday, the centre of Tropical Storm Bret was located near latitude 12.6N 50.9W or approximately 590 miles (950km) east of Barbados.
There has been little change to Tropical Storm Bret since the 11 p.m. advisory. The maximum sustained winds remain near 50mph (85kmh) with the current movement westward at 17mph (28kmh) and the minimum central pressure is 1003mb.
The centre of Bret and its strongest winds are expected to pass approximately 56 miles (90km) to the north of Barbados on Thursday. Given the close proximity to the north of the island, a tropical storm watch remains in effect.
Marine conditions are forecast to deteriorate from Wednesday night into early Friday morning. Moderate to rough swells of 2.5m to 3.5m (8ft to 11ft) in open water around Barbados are expected to generate choppy conditions which will particularly affect the island’s eastern and northern coastlines. As a result, a small craft and high surf advisory are in effect.
Mariners are advised not to venture too far from port and secure their vessels leading up to Wednesday night.
Outer bands of Tropical Storm Bret will begin to affect the island from early Thursday morning with showers and gusty winds. Rainfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches (25 to 75mm) are likely across the island. This may result in flash flooding in low-lying districts. People in these areas should begin to make the relevant preparations to protect property and life. (PR/SAT)