Tammy upgraded to a hurricane

Tropical Storm Tammy has been upgraded to a hurricane.

However, Barbados remains under a Tropical Storm Watch.

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39-73 mph; 63- 18kmh) associated with a tropical storm or hurricane are possible in the watch area within the next 48 hours.

The Barbados Meteorological Services says on its forecast track, the centre of Hurricane Tammy will continue north of the island. At 11:00 a.m. Tammy’s centre was located near 14.1N 58.5W, or approximately 88 miles (140KM) east northeast of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 MPH (120KM/H).

Tammy continues to move slowly west-northwestward at 7MPH (11KMH) with a minimum central pressure of 992 MB.

Marine conditions remain moderate to rough with swells of 2.5 m to 3.5 m (8ft to 11ft) in open water. As a result, the Small Craft Warning remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. today and the High Surf Advisory remains in effect for Barbados.

Occasional winds gusting to storm force in moderate to heavy showers associated with feeder bands are possible late this afternoon and into tonight. The BMS is forecasting rainfall accumulations of around 1 to 3 inches with isolated higher amounts during the passage of Tammy.

Any intensification of feeder bands to the southeast of the system can result in the watch being upgraded to a warning at short notice.

The public is urged to continue to monitor the progress of this system through updates issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services and follow the guidance and recommendations provided by the Department of Emergency Management. The next advisory will be issued at 2:00 p.m.

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