At 5:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Dorian was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 63.9 West. Dorian is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue during the next few days.  On the forecast track, the center of Dorian will pass over or near the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later today.  Dorian is then forecast to move to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas on Thursday, and near or to the east of the central and northwestern Bahamas on Friday and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected today, and Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.  Although weakening is possible after Dorian moves across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the storm is forecast to strengthen late this week and this weekend while passing near or to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the centre.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb.

Impact on the British Virgin Islands

• British Virgin Islands can possibly experience tropical storm beginning this afternoon
• Rainfall estimates in the range of 4- 6 inches with isolated amounts of 10 inches are possible in some areas.
• Increase sea swells storm surge of 1 – 2 feet possible

What to do

Keep monitoring the system as it progresses further north westward for any change in its path and intensity.

Monitor the DDM on social media and other mediums

Persons can also download the Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.

You can also visit the DDM’s webpage at www.bviddm.com and subscribe for updates or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bvi.ddm.

Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.