The Barbados Meteorological Services continues to monitor the progress of a strong tropical wave about 537 nautical miles / 618 statute miles ( 995 km) to the east of Barbados. 

The overall cloud pattern continues to improve over the past few hours as the system slowly becomes better organized. However at this time most of the associated deep convection remains north of the broad center.

The system is moving westward to west-northwestward at about 15 to 20 mph or 24 to 32 km/h, with an accompanying area of low pressure centered along the wave axis near 11.3N 51.7W.

Environmental conditions will remain conducive for continued gradual development over the next 24 – 36 hours, and a tropical depression could form by late this morning or early this afternoon. A tropical storm warning/watch may be issued for Barbados by late this morning once the system has been upgraded.

Regardless of tropical cyclone development, moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain, thunderstorms and winds gusting to storm force are likely to spread across the island late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches (100 to 200 millimeters) are possible along the path of the system.

In addition, swells of 4 to 5 meters (12 to 15 feet) are expected in open water. This will prompt a warning for small craft and sea bathers for Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

RESIDENTS IN BARBADOS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM.

THIS INFORMATION WILL BE UPDATED AT 11:00 a.m today or sooner if conditions warrant.