Gaston becomes a remnant low but redevelopment possible

2nd September 2010 – At 5:00 pm the center of the newest Tropical Storm, Gaston, was located near latitude 13.5 North Longitude 39.5 West or about 1425 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Gaston is moving toward the west at 3-5mph. Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 30mph making Gaston a remnant low or a low pressure system.

Satellite imagery indicates that thunderstorm activity remains minimal, and there is evidence of several weak circulation centers revolving around a common center. Forecasters have indicated that this is very similar to what Danielle and Earl looked like during their formative stages.

Although National Hurricane Center has discontinued issuing advisories on Gaston, the DDM will continue to monitor advisories from other weather forecasting services because there is a very good chance that Gaston will become better organized in 3-4 days and redevelop into a tropical storm.

The new forecast track for Gaston shows a very slow movement to the west to west-northwest for the next 2-3 days. Afterward, a slightly faster motion to the west-northwest is expected as high-pressure builds to the north of the system. This track takes Gaston in the direction of the northern Leeward Islands.

Residents are urged not to become relaxed, but to remain in a state of high alert. We are now in the peak of the 2010 Hurricane Season, and any preparedness issues not addressed earlier should be taken care of as soon as possible.

Further advisories and information on developing systems in the Atlantic can be found on the Department of Disaster Management’s website at www.bviddm.com.