LOCATION: 16.2 degrees north, 56.8 degrees west
DISTANCE: ABOUT 519 MILES EAST SOUTH EAST OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 
MOVEMENT: WEST 17 MPH 
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS: 45 MPH
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE: 1005 MB

A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the British Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Erika continues to head west.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour (mph) are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical cyclone.

At 8:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 16.2 degrees north, longitude 56.8 degrees west. Erika is moving toward the west at 17 mph, and a west to west-northwestward motion at a slightly slower forward speed is expected over the next 48 hours. 

On the forecast track, the centre of Erika will move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight and move near the Virgin Islands on Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Some slow strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the centre.

The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft is 1003 mb.

Expected Impacts on Land
Winds
Sustained winds to 40-45 mph with gusts to 50 mph are possible late Thursday in the heaviest thunderstorms. Scattered power outages are possible. 
Rainfall
Rainfall amounts accumulating to 3 to 5 inches with isolated totals of 8 to 10 inches in the mountains are likely. Some minor flooding is likely.

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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.