Just three days after Tropical Storm Erika passed the British Virgin Islands, another Tropical Storm has formed.
At 500 PM AST, the centre of Tropical Storm Fred was located near latitude 14.4 North, longitude 21.3 West. Fred is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph. A northwestward motion at a slightly slower forward speed is expected through Tuesday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected, and Fred is forecast to become a hurricane tonight or early Monday.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the centre.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 998 mb.
Fred is over 2860 miles from the British Virgin Islands and is projected to take a north western path taking it close to the Cape Verde Islands and then out to sea. Fred is presently not a threat to the BVI however, the DDM will continue to monitor the system.
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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.