As of 5AM this morning, Hurricane Irma remains a very strong category three hurricane which has the potential to cause significant rainfall, strong winds and storm surge across the Territory, if it moves into our area.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, at 500 AM, the center of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 18.2 North, longitude 36.5 West. Irma is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph. A turn toward the west is expected by tonight, followed by a turn toward the west-southwest on Saturday.
Maximum sustained winds remain near 115 mph with higher gusts. Irma is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Fluctuations in strength, up or down, are possible during the next few days, but Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through the weekend.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 967 mb.
A full release to follow at 11am this morning.
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates.
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.
