Beryl to pass BVI at ‘a safe distance’, says forecasters

Tropical Storm Beryl has increased in speed but not in strength, and is expected to pass “a safe distance” south of the British Virgin Islands when the territory begins to experience storm conditions later today into Monday, July 9.

“However, due to the continuing uncertainties associated with Beryl, any possible motion towards the north could bring the system closer to the islands, thus, watches or warnings cannot be ruled out,” the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said in its 11am update on Sunday.

The DDM said a high wind advisory is in effect. It said Beryl will have maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and occasional higher gusts.

It further said Beryl could produce possible rainfall of up to half an inch as it passes.

“Hazardous sea conditions with significant wave heights of up to 2.4 to three metres or eight to 10 feet can be expected. Therefore, a small craft warning is also in effect,” the DDM said.

Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles from the centre but forecasters anticipate Beryl to gradually weaken during the next 36 hours.

It is said Beryl will ‘degenerate into a trough of low pressure’ as it moves into the eastern caribbean sea by Monday.

The estimated minimum central pressure of the storm is 1007 millibars (29.74 inches),” the DDM said.

Residents are advised to continue monitoring the storm.

BVI News will continue to provide regular weather updates.