In the 4 p.m. weather update issued by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), it said the center of the newest Tropical Storm, Gaston, was located near latitude 14.9 North Longitude 42.7 West or about 1225 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Gaston is moving toward the west at 5-7mph. Maximum sustained winds are near 30mph making Gaston a remnant low or a low pressure system. Thunderstorm activity has become a little more concentrated near the center, a sign that Gaston is becoming better organized.   

Forecasters have indicated that Gaston is likely to track west to west-northwest for the next 5 days which will bring the center near the island of Guadeloupe early on Wednesday morning.

Experts think that Gaston will likely regain tropical depression status within the next 24-48 hours, and quite likely tropical storm strength in the next 2-3 days. Beyond then, conditions in Gaston’s path appear favorable for gradual strengthening. forecasters take Gaston back to tropical storm strength by Monday. Gaston is forecast to be a strong tropical storm with 65 mph winds by the time it enters the northeast Caribbean early on Wednesday.

Other Possibilities

DDM further states that Gaston could move a little more quickly than is currently forecast, reaching the northeast Caribbean as early as late Tuesday morning. In addition, Gaston could strengthen more quickly than forecast and reach hurricane strength in 4-5 days.

DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS AS IT MOVES NORTHWESTWARD NEAR 10 MPH.

Showers and thunderstorm activity continues today in association with the remnant low of Gaston located about halfway between the Cape Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles. Environmental conditions favor slow development and a tropical depression could re-form as it moves westward at 10 mph during the next couple of days. There is a medium chance – 50 percent – of this system becoming a tropical cyclone again during the next 48 hours.

Residents are urged not to become relaxed, 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.  Further advisories and information on developing systems in the Atlantic can be found on the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com.