BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Saturday August 24, 2019 – A tropical storm watch was this morning issued for Barbados, with Tropical Storm Dorian forecast to pass over or near the island as early as tomorrow.
Additional watches will likely be issued later today for portions of the Windward and Leeward Islands, according to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami. Elsewhere, interests in Puerto Rico and Hispaniola should monitor the progress of Dorian
A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
At 8 a.m., Dorian, which still has maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour, was 515 miles east-southeast of Barbados and moving towards the west at 13 miles per hour. That motion is expected to continue today, followed by a motion toward the west-northwest tomorrow and Tuesday.
“The centre of Dorian is expected to pass over or near Barbados late Monday/early Tuesday,” said the latest bulletin from the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), with the NHC adding that some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Dorian could be near hurricane strength over the eastern Caribbean Sea.
The BMS also said sustained surface winds between 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts to storm force are expected to spread across Barbados tomorrow afternoon and persist into Tuesday, and there are also forecasts for pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and scattered thunderstorms.
Additionally, rainfall accumulations of at least two to four inches are possible late tomorrow into Tuesday with isolated higher amounts.
“As a result, some flash-flooding is likely in low-lying areas thus, residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions. Large easterly to south-easterly swells of 2.5 to 3.5 metres are also forecast to accompany the system,” the BMS said.
“Low-lying coastlines around the island will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide. Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water,” it added.
A high-surf advisory and small-craft warning will therefore be in effect from 12 noon tomorrow until 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
