The Barbados Meteorological Services continues to monitor the progress of a strong tropical wave about 450 statute miles (725 km) to the east of Barbados.
The overall cloud pattern continued to improve over the past few hours with the system becoming better organized. Most of the associated deep convection remains north of the broad center.
The system continues to track west to west-northwest at about 15 to 20 mph or 24 to 32 km/h. The Barbados Meteorological Services has analyzed the centre of the system to be near 11.5N, 53.0W, however a Hurricane Hunter is scheduled to investigate the system around 2:00 p.m today, at which time, a more definitive position of the center will be given.
Environmental conditions remain conducive for continued gradual development over the next 24 – 36 hours, and a tropical depression/tropical storm could form by late this afternoon or tonight. A tropical storm warning may be issued for Barbados anytime 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 tonight 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.
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