It is moving west-northwest near 15 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph with higher gusts.  Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.  The latest minimum central pressure is 969 MB.  Earl is a Category 2 Hurricane Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale.

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 hour. Preparations to protect life and property should have already been completed.

The Territory is currently experiencing squalls from Earl accompanied by rain, lightning and thunder. Conditions will continue to rapidly deteriorate across the Territory. On this current track, the center of Earl will pass about 30 miles north of Anegada late Monday bringing with it hurricane force conditions.

Storm surge is expected to be as much as 2-4 feet above ground level primarily near the coast.  3-5 inches of rain is expected potentially bringing flash flood and landslides.

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.

All residents should have completed their preparations by now.

The National Emergency Operations Center was formally activated by His Excellency the Governor at 5pm yesterday.

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.

DDM officers may be contacted via 468-4200, 468-9121, 468-9416, 468-9854 and 468-9665.