Tropical wave affecting Barbados

Barbados is tonight starting to feel the effects of a tropical wave which has moved into the area.

The Barbados Meteorological Services says it is located near 60W south of 15N at 11 p.m. and is expected to track westward at 15 to 20 mph over the next six to 12 hours.

Over the past six hours, the system has not changed much in its overall structure and remains rather disorganised, with most of the deep convection remaining to the east and southeast of the axis. So far for the evening, sustained winds of 35mph and a gust of about 47mph have been recorded at Charnocks, Christ Church.

Conditions will be marginally favorable for some slow development throughout tonight as the system continues to track westward across the Eastern Caribbean.

This wave could produce one to two inches of rainfall here in Barbados over the next six to 12 hours. Winds are currently predicted to range between 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts of 45 to 55 mph.

Earlier via the Barbados Government Information Service, Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, urged residents to walk with their rain gear, and advised motorists and pedestrians to take all necessary precautions.

The Director further advised that there was a possibility of flooding in some areas given the already saturated level of the soil from previous rain events.

“Persons are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and the conditions around them and avoid taking unnecessary chances,” she said.

She also reminded the public that this was the more active part of the hurricane season, and advice on weather systems could change at short notice as conditions warrant. As a result, the DEM Director is urging residents to continue monitoring the progress of the system, and listen for updates and advice from the DEM and BMS. Persons can monitor the local media for updates and download the Common Alerting Protocol app – Cap.Cap or CapCap – from the App Store for persons with iPhones or from the Google Play Store for those with Android devices.

Alternatively, people may also receive email notifications by visiting the DEM’s website at www.dem.gov.bb and registering for the alerts. They may also visit the DEM’s social media sites – Instagram, Facebook, Youtube – for information on the system.

The next update will be at 5 a.m. Wednesday, or sooner if conditions warrant. (PR/SAT)

 

Leave a Reply