BAD WEATHER COMING
BARBADIANS have been put on notice to prepare for severe weather conditions, which should begin affecting the island from late Sunday night.
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) is currently monitoring the progress of a strong tropical wave and Tropical Depression 14, located in the central and eastern Atlantic respectively.
In a weather information statement for Barbados, issued at midday yesterday, the BMS highlighted that of immediate interest is the tropical wave which is closer to Barbados. At 8 a.m. yesterday, the system was located about 1 200 miles east of the Windward Islands.
At present, model guidance is suggesting some slow development is possible over the next few days as it tracks westward to west-northwestward at about 15 miles per hour.
“Regardless of the development, some moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, scattered thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds are likely to spread across Barbados starting late Sunday into Monday,” the statement read.
Rainfall accumulations of at least six to eight inches are possible with the passage of the system. However, due to the already saturated nature of the soils, a Flood Warning may be required at short notice.
The BMS is also advising that Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate by Sunday afternoon with sea-swells expected to range between 4.0 and 6.0 metres. As a consequence, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-craft warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. today.
“Large waves and dangerous rip-currents can be expected which will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water during that time. This activity may become even more adverse at times of high tide,” the statement advised.
A small-craft Warning means in this case that seas equal to or greater than 3m (10ft) and wind speeds of 25 to 33 knots (47 to 61 km/h) will be affecting the marine area. A High-Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone.
With respect to Tropical Depression #14, this system is expected to track west-northwestward to northwestward into the central Atlantic well away from Barbados and the eastern Caribbean.
Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Centre, Miami, Florida, issued an advisory around 2 p.m. yesterday on Tropical Storm Jose, located over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, and on Tropical Depression fourteen, located over the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
The Hurricane Centre stated showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave located about 1100 miles east of the Windward Islands have become better organised since Thursday.
Environmental conditions are conducive for development, and a tropical cyclone is expected to form over the weekend.
“Tropical storm, or hurricane watches, could be issued for portions of the Lesser Antilles on Saturday, and interests in those islands should closely monitor the progress of this system,” the National Hurricane Centre warned, noting that the wave has a high chance of forming into a stronger system, over the next few days. (AH)