A weak tropical wave will move into the area later tonight into Tuesday morning thereby increasing the chances for shower activity throughout the Territory. The system is along 57.6 W and is moving to the west-northwest at 18mph. Conditions are not favorable for strengthening and this system is expected to dissipate over the next day or two.
HURRICANE FRED
At 2am this morning, Tropical Storm Fred was upgraded to a Hurricane. At present, Hurricane Fred is not a threat to the British Virgin Islands as the system is over two thousand miles away from the Territory and is projected to take a path further north possibly keeping it out to sea. The DDM will continue to monitor this system and provide further updates as necessary.
At 1100 AM, the centre of Hurricane Fred was located near latitude 16.4 North, longitude 23.7 West. Fred is moving towards the northwest near 12 mph and this motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west-northwest is expected on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the centre of Fred is expected to pass near or over the northwestern Cape Verde Islands later today.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 85 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected through early tonight while Fred moves through the Cape Verde Islands. Gradual weakening is forecast to begin on Tuesday.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 986 mb.
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Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
