The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) says a tropical disturbance/Invest 99L located about 850 miles ESE of Barbados, is moving to the west-northwest near 20 mph. Photo: DDM

The Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has indicated that the National Hurricane Centre began tracking a tropical wave approximately 1300 miles East South East of the Windward Islands that is showing signs of developing into a more serious storm. Photo: DDM

“A west-northwest track is expected to bring the system across the Lesser Antilles Tuesday into Wednesday. The system currently has some enhanced rotation and thunderstorm activity associated with it.”

The department notes that conditions are forecast to be at least somewhat favorable for development over the next few days, however, If development were to occur, forecasters have indicated it appears unlikely at this time that the system would become a hurricane.

Instead, forecasters think it could move through the islands of the eastern Caribbean as a tropical storm. The chance of tropical development has increased to 70 per cent.

Virgin Islands Impact

While the system has the possibilities of becoming a tropical storm, current information has not revealed any impacts for the Virgin Islands at this point in time, if the system were to continue to develop it could become Tropical Storm Dorian making it the fourth named storm for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The Department is encouraging residents to keep monitoring the system as it progresses further eastward for any change in its path and intensity.

“Review your family plans and check for items you may need, check your homes, shutters, drainage paths or specific areas. This is will avoid trying to do and remember certain activities at last minute.”

See previous article published August 24, 2019

VI at risk of Tropical Wave in Atlantic Ocean

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has indicated that the National Hurricane Centre began tracking a tropical wave approximately 1300 miles East South East of the Windward Islands that is showing signs of developing into a more serious storm. 

"The system is presently moving at 15 mph has a fifty percent probability of becoming a depression or tropical storm in the next five days."

The DDM notes that as the system progresses further west, it may take a west to west-northwest track bringing it close to the Island chain early next week.  

Given the circumstances, residents are being warned to continue monitoring the system as it progresses and make the necessary preparations as the VI moves into the peak of the hurricane season.