WEATHER UPDATE (5PM): Tropical Storm warning continues for Dominica

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area, in this case within 24 hours.

At 5 pm, the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located near latitude 13.4 north, longitude 59.6 west or about 179 miles south east of Dominica.

Bret is moving towards the west near 16 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 1002 millibars.

The center of the system is maintaining a slightly more southerly track and is now projected to move across the Windward Islands, near St. Lucia tonight.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph with higher gusts, extending outward up to 115 miles to the north of the centre.

The centre is expected to pass about 133 miles south of Dominica tonight, as a tropical storm.

Impacts are expected across Dominica tonight into tomorrow.

EXPECTED CONDITIONS:

• An increase in wind speeds tonight with gusts up to tropical storm force (39 to 73 mph);

• An increase in the intensity of shower and thunderstorm activity tonight, with 100 to 150 mm/ 4 to 6 inches of rainfall or greater in higher elevation projected.

• Swells on the east coast up to 4.0 m / 12.0 ft.

EXPECTED IMPACTS:

• Rivers, streams, gutters and ravines will overflow their banks and flood surrounding areas tonight.

• Landslides and rock falls from overhanging cliffs and hillsides.

• Loose objects can become missiles.

• People living near the coast will be impacted by life threatening surf and dangerous rip currents.

Residents should continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Bret and stay safe.

The Dominica Meteorological Service will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Please stay tuned to the local weather forecast or check our website for updates on the development of this system.