BVI: The Department of Disaster Management said a flash flood watch is in effect for today (October 13) due to heavy rainfall anticipated from Tropical Storm Rafael.
A Flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas, usually when grounds are already saturated from recent rains, or when upcoming rains will have the potential to cause a flash flood.
Winds: SE-S at 18-30kts gusting as high as 35kts over open waters and during heavier showers.
Seas: Very rough, swells 2.8-3.7m or 9-12ft. A firm warning remains in place for small craft operators and sea bathers against dangerous sea conditions. Small crafts should stay in port while sea bathers should avoid these waters.
Synopsis: A broad area of low pressure in close proximity to the Leeward Islands will continue to cause unsettled weather conditions across the area over the next 24 hours and beyond.
Wx: Cloudy to overcast skies tonight and tomorrow with numerous showers, some of which could be moderate to heavy at times accompanied by widespread thunderstorms and gusty winds. With the anticipation of heavy and sustained showers, a flash flood watch may become necessary later tonight.
Earlier story below:
The Antigua Met Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Virgin Islands. Disturbance 58 is has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Rafael in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It is about 220 miles south-southeast of St. Croix.
The center of Tropical Storm Rafael was located near latitude 15.0 north longitude 63.1 west. Rafael is moving toward the north-northwest near 12 mph and this general motion is expected to continue tonight.
A turn toward the north is expected on Saturday. On the forecast track the center of Rafael will move through the eastern Caribbean tonight and then move near or over the Virgin Islands Saturday or Saturday night.
Reports from an air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is expected tonight with slow strengthening possible Saturday through Sunday.
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