Storm likely to become a hurricane

The Barbados Meteorological Services reveals that Tropical Storm Bret continues to be well-organised.

At 5:00 am the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located near 11.7N 44.7W or about 1003 miles/1614 km east of Barbados. Its maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph or 65km/h, while present movement is towards the west or 280 degrees at 17 mph or 28km/h and minimal central pressure is 1008 MB.

Tropical Storm Bret remains a well-organised and compact tropical storm. The official intensity forecast is calling for steady intensification over the next few days and Bret is likely to become a category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm by the time it reaches the northern Windwards/Leewards. On its current forecast track, the centre of the system is expected to pass 105 km/65 miles to the north of Barbados, which is further south than the last update, sometime during Thursday night.

The Met Office highlighted “that there is still some considerable uncertainty in the forecast track and forward speed as Bret approaches the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.

“Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate during the passage of Bret on Thursday and into early Friday particularly in open waters well north of Barbados. Sea conditions around Barbados are expected to become moderate to rough in open water with some choppy conditions affecting the west coastlines of Barbados. Mariners are advised not to venture too far from the port leading up until Thursday and Friday.”

Additionally, an area of disturbed weather centred near 10N 31W continues to produce disorganized showers in the Eastern Atlantic. Environmental conditions are expected to be marginally conducive to the slow development of this system later this week as the system tracks westward at 10 to 15mph.

While there are no watches or warnings in effect for Barbados, due to the location within the Central Atlantic of Tropical Storm Bret, the public is urged to continue monitoring the updates from the BMS along with postings by GIS and DEM.

The next update will be at 11:00 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

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