Tropical Storm Gonzalo has now weakened but still has the potential to re-intensify. Photo: DDM

Tropical Storm Gonzalo continues to move west towards the Southern Windward Islands. Photo: DDM

According to the VI Department of Disaster Management (DDM), TS Gonzalo is expected to bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the Southern Windward Islands with the possibility of creating hazardous sea conditions for the Virgin Islands over the weekend.

Presently, a Small Craft Advisory is in effect and if required may be upgraded further the DDM said.

At of 5 PM, Friday, July 24, 2020, the DDM said TS Gonzalo was located 10 degrees north, 55.6 degrees west or approximately 818 miles east southeast of the Territory

Winds are forecasted to be 40mph with higher gust Tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 25 miles with movements west at 18 mph expected to continue for the next few days.  

See previous story published this morning, July 24, 2020 

Warnings issued as TS Gonzalo moves closer to Southern Windward Islands

- Tropical storm warning in effect for St Lucia, Barbados & St Vincent & The Grenadines

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Tropical Storm Gonzalo continues to move west towards the Southern Windward Islands.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, not much has changed since the last forecast; however, forecasters are still confident Gonzalo will become a hurricane before reaching these islands.

Tropical storm warnings

Tropical storm warninga are in effect for St Lucia, Barbados and St Vincent & The Grenadines.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

At 5:00 AM, according to NHC, Gonzalo was located 10.1 degrees north, 51.8 degrees west or approximately 1012 miles east southeast of the [British] Virgin Islands.

Maximum sustained winds remain at 60 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 25 miles.

Movement is currently to the west at 14mph

Minimum Central Pressure is 1000 MB.

According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), no alert statements, watches or warnings have been issued for the VI at this time; however, due to the uncertainty that still exists with Gonzalo, persons should continue to monitor the tropical storm and stay abreast of updates as they become available.