UPDATE: Dorian still strengthening, not projected to be a direct hit to BVI

Though Tropical Storm Dorian is forecast to potentially be near hurricane strength by Tuesday or Wednesday, the weather system is not expected to make a direct impact with the British Virgin Islands.

In a 5 o’clock weather update on Monday morning, August 26, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said the centre of the storm was located near latitude 11.9 degrees North and longitude 56.4 degrees West.

Dorian was moving in a westerly direction near 14 miles per hour. Its maximum sustained winds are said to have increased to near 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.

“A turn toward the west-northwest is expected later today, with this motion continuing through Tuesday night. On the forecast track, the centre of Dorian is expected to be near the Windward Islands late today and tonight and move into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday,” the DDM said.

The department said the BVI could begin experiencing wind gusts as early as Tuesday evening, August 27.

“Rain bands and squall-like conditions from Dorian is expected however, this information is subject to change as the system get closer,” the DDM added.

The DDM is advising residents to keep monitoring the system for any change in its path and intensity.

It further advised residents to review their family plans and check for items they may need.

“Check your homes, shutters, drainage paths or specific areas. This is will avoid trying to do and remember certain activities at last minute.”

Warnings and watches issued for other Caribbean countries

Tropical Storm watches has issued for Dominica, Martinique, Grenada and its sister islands. On the other hand, Tropical Storm warnings issued for Barbados, St Lucia and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

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A tropical storm is in the region and could begin affecting the British Virgin Islands as early as Tuesday, August 27.

According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Tropical Storm Dorian was located near latitude 11.0 degrees North and longitude 51.6 degrees West at 5 am Sunday, August 25.

It was travelling west in the direction of tbe Lesser Antilles at 13 miles per hour.

Dorian Maximum is said to have sustained wind speeds near 40 miles per hour with higher gusts.

“Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Dorian could be near hurricane strength over the eastern Caribbean Sea. Topical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the centre,” the DDM Sunday morning.

Residents, in the meantime, are being told to continue to monitor the weater system.

“As the system progresses further west, be prepared to take action if any watches or warnings are issued for the territory,” the DDM stated.
 
BVI News will continue to bring updates on this weather system as information becomes available.