A tropical storm warning is issued when sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph; 63 to 118km/h) associated with a tropical storm or hurricane are forecast to affect Barbados within 36 hours. In this case, it is already occurring.
The center of Tropical Storm Bret at 2:00 AM, on Friday 23rd, June 2023 was located near 13.4N 61.9W or approximately 158MI (255KM) to the west of Barbados. The center of Bret will continue to move westward at 17MPH (28KM/H) away from Barbados and the island chain. Maximum sustained winds associated with the system are near 60 MPH (95KM/H).
Over the next few hours bands feeding into Bret will continue to generate pockets of heavy to violent showers and winds up to tropical storm force and higher gusts across the island. Parts of the island have already recorded between 1 to 2 inches of rainfall therefore a flash flood warning is in effect for Barbados.
High winds can result in the tumbling and rolling of unsecured objects (e.g. inflatable structures, tents and garbage cans), along with some breakage of small branches and trees. Some injury and danger to life are possible from flying debris.
Marine conditions will remain moderate to rough in open waters with swells of 2.5m to 3.5m (8 ft to 11ft) into early Friday morning, 23rd June 2023. Around Barbados choppy conditions will particularly affect the islands’ eastern and northern coastlines. As a result, a small craft and high surf warning are in effect.
Mariners are advised to remain in port.
As the center tracks to the west of the island, outer bands of Tropical Storm Bret are expected to generate additional rainfall accumulations of 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50mm) across Barbados.
The next Update will be issued at 5:00 AM Friday, 23rd June 2023 or sooner if conditions warrant
