Members of the public are urged to brace for a rainy day tomorrow, Wednesday, October 5, as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) continues to closely monitor the progress of a tropical wave approaching the island at 57 degrees west and 15 degrees north.
The system, located at 195 miles southeast of Barbados, is projected to track west to west-northwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour over the next 12 to 24 hours. It is anticipated that it will begin affecting Barbados in the early hours of tomorrow, Wednesday, October 5.
According to officials at the BMS, conditions are marginally favourable for some slow development throughout tonight as the system approaches.
But, regardless of development, it is projected to produce between two to three inches of rainfall with isolated higher amounts of four inches of rain during moderate to heavy showers.
Meanwhile, winds are predicted to range between 25 and 35 miles per hour, with higher gusts of 45 to 55 miles per hour.
Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, issued the caution and urged residents to walk with their rain gear, and advised motorists and pedestrians to take all necessary precautions.
The Director further advised that there was a possibility of flooding in some areas given the already saturated level of the soil from previous rain events. “Persons are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and the conditions around them and avoid taking unnecessary chances,” she said.
She also reminded the public that this was the more active part of the hurricane season, and advice on weather systems could change at short notice as conditions warrant.
As a result, the DEM Director is urging residents to continue monitoring the progress of the system, and listen for updates and advice from the DEM and BMS.
Persons can monitor the local media for updates and download the Common Alerting Protocol app – Cap.Cap or CapCap – from the App Store for persons with iPhones or from the Google Play Store for those with Android devices.
Alternatively, persons may also receive email notifications by visiting the DEM’s website and registering for the alerts. They may also visit the DEM’s social media sites – Instagram, Facebook, YouTube – for information on the system.
The next update from the BMS is scheduled for 11:00 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, October 4.