At 11 AM the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Hurricane Watch for the British Virgin Islands.
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Irma remains a dangerous category 3 hurricane. Strengthening is likely as it tracks westward. On forecasters’ latest track, the center of Irma may pass very near or over the northern Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday and produce destructive wind and torrential rain across the region.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, at 11 AM, the eye of Hurricane Irma was located near latitude 16.8 North, longitude 53 West. Irma is moving toward the west-southwest near 12 mph.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 120 mph (195 km/h) with higher gusts. Irma is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Additional strengthening is forecast through Tuesday night.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km).
The eye of hurricane Irma is projected to pass approximately 35 miles North East of Road Town.
The latest minimum central pressure estimated from data received by the reconnaissance aircraft is 944 mb.
PROBABLE IMPACTS
Rain: Rainfall estimates of 8 inches – 14 inches
Winds: Possible 120 mph with higher gusts. Wind speeds may increase as the hurricane continues to strengthen.
Storm Surge: Storm Surge estimates are in the range of 10 feet to 14 feet
Please continue to monitor local media stations, DDM’s website (bviddm.com) and Facebook at BVIDDM for regular updates and preparedness tips.
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.
Courtesy the Department of Disaster Management British Virgin Islands