It is moving west-northwest near 15 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph with higher gusts. Earl is a Category 3 on the Hurricane Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the centre and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. The latest minimum central pressure is 960 MB.

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the British Virgin Islands.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area in 36 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed.

The Territory is currently experiencing the spiraling bands from Earl which is bringing strong squalls, heavy rain, lightning and thunder. Conditions will continue to rapidly deteriorate across the Territory as the centre of Earl approaches the Territory.

Even though the strength of Earl has increased to a powerful hurricane, the core of the system is passing to the north of the Virgin Islands and therefore the Territory will not feel the direct and powerful impacts of this hurricane. It is expected that the Territory will be impacted by very strong tropical storm conditions with wind gust to hurricane force. There is a possibility that tornadoes embedded in the hurricane could impact the Territory.

Of particular concern is the island of Anegada, which should be brushed by the southern eye wall of the system and will be impacted by hurricane force conditions. The greatest impact of the system will be felt in approximately five hours.

Significant storm surge is not expected, however tides will be above normal. Rainfall amounts throughout the Territory are expected to be between the range of 5-7 inches, potentially bringing flash flood, landslides and dangerous large battering waves.

By Tuesday, Earl is expected to gradually turn to the northwest and accelerate between the United States and Bermuda and could become a Category 4 Hurricane. By then, conditions should be improving in our area.

The National Emergency Operations Centre is in full activation and weather releases and advisories will continue to be available throughout the passage of Earl at the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com. The NEOC can be reached at 468-4200.

The public is being informed that due to operational problems with the CCT network, cell numbers assigned to DDM officers are not functioning at this time. New temporary cell numbers are as follows: 545-1441, 545-7475, 545-7455, 545-7456.