At 5:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Fiona was located near 19.9N/62.4W, or about 200 miles north-northeast of St. Croix. Maximum sustained winds are still 60 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Centre, with the surrounding winds at far less than 60 mph. Movement is to the northwest at 17 mph. Satellite imagery indicates that Hurricane Earl is blowing across the top of Fiona, pushing most of Fiona’s squalls south and southeast of the centre.

Fiona should track to the northwest for 36 hours before turning north, while slowing slightly. At that time, this system should be a few hundred miles to the south-southwest of Bermuda. Beyond 72 hours, Fiona is forecast to weaken and eventually dissipate in 96 hours. Occasional squalls will impact the islands of the northeast Caribbean this afternoon and this evening, generally from St. Martin eastward. Improving conditions are forecast for the northeast Caribbean overnight.

Tropical Storm Gaston

At 5:00 p.m. the center of the newest Tropical Storm, Gaston, was located near latitude 12.9 North Longitude 37.0 West. Gaston is moving toward the west near 15mph. A west to west-west motion with a significant decrease in forward speed is expected for the next several days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40Mph with higher gusts. Slow strengthening is forecasted during the next 48 hours. Tropical Storm Force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the center. Estimated minimum central pressure is 1005MB.

Though Earl has departed the Territory and residents are involved in cleaning up and repairs, they are advised not to relax, but to remain in a state of high alert. We are now in the peak of the 2010 Hurricane Season, and any preparedness issues not addressed earlier should be taken care of as soon as possible.  Everyone is asked to pay close attention to the progress of Gaston, as it has shown signs of early organization. At present, conditions are favorable for further developing over the next 5 days. By that time, it could be close to, or within the Virgin Islands area.

The DDM remains on high alert, monitoring the progress of Fiona and Gaston, and providing weather releases. The Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com will provide continuously updated information.