Weather disturbance could affect BVI as tropical storm this weekend, DDM warns

The British Virgin Islands could be affected by another storm by the weekend.

According to the latest advisory from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) on Monday, the weather system called ‘Disturbance 1’ was located at roughly 1,200 miles to the east-southeast of Barbados.

The DDM said the system is becoming better organised and an “area of low pressure has formed,” the DDM said.

“It is moving towards the west at around 14 miles per hour. The disturbance is forecast to turn to the northwest this week. Conditions are forecast to be favourable for development over the next several days. The disturbance could become a tropical storm by Wednesday or Thursday. The chance of tropical development is estimated at 80 per cent,” the DDM further said.

Forecasters are also predicting that Disturbance 1 could pass north or near to the territory.

“The system is still moving west and has not begun to turn west, nort-west or north-west meaning the longer it takes to do so it can track closer to the British Virgin Islands. Residents should continue to prepare and be ready in any event,” it added.

Tropical Wave alert

In the meantime, the DDM informed of a tropical wave in the Caribbean.

It is currently moving at 25 miles per hour. However, “the system is expected to weaken over the next few days as it tracks westward across the Caribbean Sea.”

The tropical wave is said to be producing showers and thunderstorm activity in the Lesser Antilles, and it is also likely to spread across the territory later today into Tuesday, the DDM further said.

Be ready

In the meantime, the DDM is encouraging residents to be prepared for the eventuality of a weather system affecting the territory.

“As in the previous update, no estimation has been given in the amount of rainfall; however, if this information becomes available, it will be shared. As the wave is expected to pass overnight persons should use daylight hours to check drains, secure items that can get wet and be aware of exit strategies in the event flooding was to occur,” the disaster department said.

“Please note these are just precautions in the event showers and thunderstorms are heavier than expected. Any updates pertaining watches or warnings will be issued if deemed necessary,” it added.