A tropical cyclone alert has been issued for the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands by forecaster Dale Destin of the Antigua & Barbuda Meteorological Service.
The Met Office says it is paying close attention to the approaching disturbance. As of 8AM on Tuesday morning it had a 50% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone in 48 hours and a 60% chance in five days.
“Although it is still more likely than not that the system will impact us as no more than tropical disturbance or strong tropical wave, we cannot rule out the disturbance rapidly developing and impacting us a tropical cyclone hence, residents are urged to pay close attention to the progress of this weather system until it is out of our area.
“The developing disturbance is expected to cause very wet weather across Antigua & Barbuda and the rest of the Leeward Islands Tuesday night through Wednesday, and across the British Virgin Islands Wednesday through Thursday. Rainfall totals of 25 to 75 MM or 1 to 3 inches are possible. Hence, a flash flood watch and/or warning will likely be required for portions of the next 24 to 36 hours.
“Heavy thunderstorms are also expected, which could interrupt electricity and related services. Lightning is very dangerous; it can kill and injure.
“Seas will become hazardous with peak heights on Wednesday of around 2.7M of 9 feet. Hence, small craft and sea bather warnings will go into effect by this afternoon.
“The weather is expected to subside by Wednesday night across the Leeward Islands and by Thursday afternoon across the BVI. At this time no storm-force winds are anticipated.”
