At 8:00 AM, the National Hurricane Centre indicated that Hurricane Irma continues to maintain maximum sustained winds of near 185 miles per hour (mph) with higher gusts.
Irma’s eye was located near latitude 18.1 degrees North, longitude 63.3 degrees. Irma is moving toward the West Northwest near 16 mph. On the forecast track, the extremely dangerous core of Irma will move over portions of the northern Virgin Islands today.
According to the NHC, the Northern eyewall of hurricane Irma is pounding Anguilla.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175
miles.
As Hurricane Irma passed over the island of St. Eustatius wind gusts of 90 mph were recorded. As Irma passed over Barbuda, wind gusts up to 155 mph were indicated before the recording instrument failed.
Strong gusts are already being felt throughout the BVI, causing effects on the electricity distribution feeders.
The combination of a life-threatening storm surge and large breaking waves will raise water levels ABOVE NORMAL TIDE LEVELS within the hurricane warning area near and to the north of the center of Irma. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has indicated that sea conditions will be dangerously rough with swells of 20 feet during the passage of Irma. Small Craft operators should stay in Port and ensure that all vessels are safely moored and sea bathers should avoid waters.
Rainfall amounts of 8 to 12 inches, isolated 20 inches are projected for the British Virgin Islands.
A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the Territory.
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates and preparedness tips.
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
.
