At 11am, the centre of Gonzalo was located near latitude 9.6 North, longitude 48.3 West or about 885 miles east of the Southern Windward Islands. Gonzalo continues to move towards the west near 14mph (22 km/h) with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph (100 km/h) and the system is expected to become a hurricane tonight or Friday. A westward to north-westward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected through the weekend. Gonzalo is a relatively small tropical cyclone with tropical-storm-force winds extending 35 miles from the center. There is significant uncertainty in forecasting Gonzalo’s intensity when it moves across the islands due to its small size as well as existing conditions which enhance development and those which inhibit development in its environment.
The current projection is for the tropical cyclone to move across the southern Windward Islands on Saturday, about 200 miles to the south of Dominica, as a hurricane. Shower and thunderstorm activity along with gusty winds associated with Gonzalo are projected to begin affecting the southern Windward from late Friday and Dominica on Saturday.
Unstable conditions are therefore expected to linger across the island throughout most of the weekend. Projected rainfall amount, during the period into Sunday, is 2 to 3 inches (50-75mm), with higher amounts in elevated areas. Flash flooding and landslides are therefore possible. A Flash Flood Watch or Warning may be issued as conditions warrant from Friday.
Meanwhile, another active tropical wave is expected to generate shower and thunderstorm activity which could be heavy at times with gusty winds across Dominica, from Monday and throughout Tuesday of next week.
People in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks are advised to be vigilant and to exercise extreme caution during this projected wet spell from Thursday night and into early next week.
Gusty winds and a deterioration in sea conditions are anticipated in areas of showers and thunderstorms. Mariners and other users of the sea are therefore advised to exercise caution during the period. A Small Craft Advisory is now in effect for above normal seas.
The public is advised to keep informed on these systems by listening to further updates provided by the Meteorological Service.
Hurricane Gonzalo is on the verge of dumping heavy rain and strong winds on Dominica. How can Roosevelt ‘Heartless’ Skerrit sleep comfortably at nights, especially at this particular time, with full knowledge that many Dominicans are living with tarpaulin roofs over their heads?
What is more worrisome and heart-wrenching is despite the deplorable living conditions of his fellow country people, he has procured a multi-million dollar property, for himself and his royal family, at $32 000 per month, at the expense of taxpayers. Many of these taxpayers who will contribute to Dr² Evil’s rent, are living in sub human conditions.
How can any God fearing person support such wickedness? Are your hearts made of cast iron?
You again! Always complaining and not offering any help or concrete words. Always looking for bad. Ibo are you in DA? The government cannot do everything. But I am here and I know many roofs have been repaired. Some have not. Many persons got new homes. Can everyone receive it at one time? Can everything be done in one day?
Time to get some positive vibes. Try saying something positive. Have you seen the pictures? Do you read the news? Comment on what has been done too. Ibo you are stuck record (disgruntled too) on Roosevelt Skerrit. Do you dream of him at night? High time you remove your focus on the man. Focus on the creator for wisdom and get down to providing some serious suggestions to begin. Ibo get a life of contentment. Stop the whines. Look out positively. Look at what is not done and objectively give some suggestions. Get innovative. Grow up. Think like a grown man. Complaints over and over cannot do anything in itself. Just make the complainer…