(Barbados Today) – The Barbados Meteorological Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Barbados. A Tropical Storm Warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds.
At 5 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Gonalzo was located near 10.0N 51.8W or about 560 miles/.901 KM Easts South East of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 MPH or 95 KM/H. Storm-force winds extend outward only to 25 miles (35km) from the centre. Present Movement…W or 275 degrees at 14 MPH or 22KM/H. Minimum central pressure…1000 MB…29.53 inches.
Significant convection associated with Gonzalo has been consistent during the past few hours. Re-strengthening of this feature is still possible as it continues on its westward to west-northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed throughout the weekend. On its forecast track, the centre of Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to pass approximately 90 miles (144 km) to the south of Barbados on Saturday.
There is still the possibility of Gonzalo becoming a Category 1 hurricane within the next day or two considering the uncertainty in the
intensity forecast due to its compact size. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the storm later this afternoon.
Earliest arrival of winds:-
Sustained storm-force winds are likely to spread across Barbados from the morning of Saturday 25, July 2020, possibly increasing to
hurricane force during the afternoon. During which time, sustained wind speeds of 60 to 75 mph (97 to 120 km/h) with higher gusts are
likely to affect the island. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is also likely to generate rough to very rough sea swells during its passage. An advisory for this hazard may become necessary from today if conditions warrant.
The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 8 a.m.