The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) says it will continue monitoring a Tropical Wave near 9N, 36W and moving westward that now has the possibilities of becoming a Tropical storm. Photo: T&T Weather Center

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) says it is monitoring a Tropical Wave currently located near 8N, 32W and moving westward near 17 mph in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Photo: DDM

Director of the Department for Disaster Management, Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, is urging all persons in the territory to finalise their emergency kits, test their family and business emergency plans, and monitor conditions to stay aware of any approaching storm systems as the height of the hurricane season approaches. Photo: File

According to the DDM, as of Friday, Tropical Wave/Invest 93L continues moving westward at a speed of 15 mph with a well-defined rotation. 

However, while the DDM indicated that shower and thunderstorm activity remains relatively low as the wave develops, “forecasters continue to think it has a 25 per cent chance of becoming a tropical depression or weak tropical storm over the next few days as it tracks westward.”

The wave is expected to be near the Lesser Antilles by Monday, bringing gusty winds into Tuesday of the week.

Further, the DDM has indicated that while in the Caribbean, forecasters say conditions are not expected to be favourable for further development.

See previous story published July 11, 2019

DDM monitoring Tropical Wave in Eastern Atlantic

- forecast to be in the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles by early next week

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) says it is monitoring a Tropical Wave currently located near 8N, 32W and moving westward near 17 mph in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

“It has a well-defined circulation with limited shower and thunderstorm activity. Model guidance support for development is relatively weak. However, forecasters think it has a 25 percent chance of development over the next 7 days as it continues westward,” a press release from DDM today, July 11, 2019 stated.

According to DDM, the Tropical Wave could be in the vicinity of the Lesser Antilles by early next week.

The Department also said it will continue to monitor the wave and provide updates when necessary.

“Persons at home and abroad are encouraged to download the DDM’s Alert app in the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive updates of any hazards affecting the Territory.”

Be prepared

In addition to early arrival Andrea and the recently formed Tropical Storm Barry, forecasters expect 12 named storms this season, including six hurricanes. Of those, two are expected to be major storms of Category 3, 4 or 5 strength, according to the Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science in its July report on the latest Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast

The report also details that while forecasters currently observe a weak El Nino in the Atlantic Basin, the phenomenon is not expected to continue into the traditional peak of the Hurricane Season, so it is unlikely to diminish any storm activity.

Director of the Department for Disaster Management, Mrs Sharleen S. DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, is urging all persons in the territory to finalise their emergency kits, test their family and business emergency plans, and monitor conditions to stay aware of any approaching storm systems as the height of the season approaches.

Mrs DaBreo-Lettsome said, “The forecast might seem mild, but we all know it only takes one landfall to have a devastating impact. For this reason, individuals should not wait until they know a storm is on the way, they should Be Ready throughout the season.”