Storm affecting region, not directly BVI

Tropical Storm Harvey has been formed and is threatening several Caribbean islands, but the government-owned Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said the British Virgin Islands is not among the places directly under threat.

It noted that, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Tropical Storm Harvey is forecast to pass well to the south of the Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands during the next 24hrs. “As a result, no tropical storm watches or warnings are required for these islands,” DDM said.

It however stated that breezy conditions will be experienced over the islands.

“Tropical Storm Harvey, at 5pm, was located near latitude 13.0 North, longitude 55.8 West. Harvey is moving towards the west near 18 miles per hour, and this motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days,” DDM said.

It continued: “On the forecast track, Harvey should move through the Windward Islands and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 miles per hour with higher gusts with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 35 miles. Harvey may see some strengthening in the next 48 hours.”

DDM also stated that the tropical wave that affected the British Virgin Islands from August 16 into August 17 has passed. “Brief lingering moisture and showers may still be experienced,” added the DDM, which noted that its information is garnered from a number of professional sources.

In the meantime, tropical storm warnings have been issued for countries such as St Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, St Lucia, and Barbados.

Other disturbances

Disturbance 1 (Invest 92L) is located about 950 miles east-northeast of Barbados. The disturbance is expected to be near the northern Leeward Islands on Saturday night, possibly as a depression or a weak tropical storm. “Residents should monitor this system as it has the potential affect the British Virgin Islands,” said the DDM.

Disturbance 2 is generating disorganised showers to the south of the Cape Verde Islands. It is moving westward at about 20 miles per hour. This disturbance is expected to move west to west-northwest over the next few days.