Tropical Storm Josephine forms

The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) says Tropical Depression #11 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Josephine.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the BMS said Josephine was centred near 13.7 north or 49.2 west or about 1137 kilometres east of Barbados.

Maximum sustained winds are now near 45 miles per hour and the estimated minimum central pressure is 1005mb.

Josephine is forecast to continue on its west-northwestward track over the next several days. On its current forecast track, it is expected to pass well north of Barbados on Saturday

The forecasters said the system has shown some improvement over the last few hours and is expected to further intensify as it moves into a move favorable environment tonight into tomorrow. Thereafter, southwesterly wind shear is expected to significantly impact the system’s structure resulting in weakening as it nears the northern Leewards.

The public is advised to periodically monitor official sources for updates from the BMS over the next few days.

The next update will be issued at 12 noon on Friday or sooner if conditions warrant.