The latest schematic of Tropical Storm Erika. Photo: DDM

Tropical Storm Erika formed over the central tropical Atlantic and will continue to move briskly west to north-westward over the next 48 hours before the steering subtropical ridge begins to weaken, allowing the system to begin turning northward toward the end of the period.

Erika will move over warmer waters as it tracks north-westward, but vertical wind shear will only allow for modest strengthening over the next 24 hours. Once the system moves north of the Lesser Antilles, wind shear values will decrease and more robust development may become possible.

At 5:00 a.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 14.6 degrees north, longitude 49.4 degrees west or about 1023 miles east-southeast of the BVI. Erika is moving toward the west near 20 miles per hour (mph). A westward to west north-west trend with a slight decrease in forward speed is expected in 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the centre.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb.

Expected Impacts on Land

British Virgin Islands: Power outages are possible due to heavy winds. Heavy rain could cause minor flooding.

Residents of the British Virgin Islands are advised to monitor the system as it progresses and keep abreast of updates issued by the Department of Disaster Management.

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