Update: BMS may issue a tropical storm watch later today

A tropical storm watch may be issued for the island later today, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has advised in its latest weather information statement.

A flash flood warning and a severe thunderstorm warning remain in effect as tropical wave #16 located near 60 degrees west which is just west of Barbados affects the island.

The BMS said: “This system remains disorganized due to unsupportive surrounding environmental conditions. Further development of this system is likely to be slow as it tracks westward to west-northwestward at 40 km/h or 25 miles per hour.”

It added that on its current track, the relatively strong wind field is expected to pass north of Barbados this afternoon. Total rainfall accumulations of two to four inches are possible over the next 12 hours.

Meanwhile, the forecasters continue to track the progress of tropical wave #17 located near 41 degrees west with an associated broad area of low pressure centred near 9.2 north,  41.7  west or about 1240 miles (2000 kilometres) to the east of Barbados at 11 a.m.

The BMS said: “Showers and thunderstorms associated with this feature continue to become better organized throughout the night and some slow development of this system is possible as it tracks westward to west-northwestward at 35 km/h (or 22mph).

The forecasters advise that regardless of development, this system has the potential to produce heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across Barbados and the southern Windwards by Friday morning.

The BMS will issue its next update at 5 p.m. or sooner if conditions warrant.