Barbados: Tropical Storm Tammy expected to become category one hurricane

Tropical Storm Tammy, with winds of 60 mph, is about 100 miles northeast of Barbados early this morning. It is expected to become a category one hurricane tomorrow as it moves over the Leewards Islands. 

In open water, marine conditions have deteriorated with moderate to rough swells of 2.5 m to 3.5 m (8ft to 11ft). As a result, a small craft warning has been extended until 6 PM today, and a high surf advisory remains in effect for Barbados.

Tammy will turn northward and will ultimately head out to sea next week, well east of Bermuda. It is no threat to the U.S.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Anguilla St. Maarten, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy.

The Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dominica, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Anguilla.

Here is the list of possible impacts anticipated to be observed due to the tropical storms-

• Some occasional light to moderate showers occurred overnight as feeder bands moved across the island overnight, and this is expected to persist during the morning. 

• Shower activity is likely to increase Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning. Occasional winds gusting to storm force in moderate to heavy showers associated with feeder bands are possible during that time. 

The BMS is forecasting rainfall accumulations of around 1 to 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts during the passage of Tammy. Any intensification of feed bands to the southeast of the system can result in the watch being upgraded to a warning at short notice.

The public is urged to continue to monitor the progress of this system through updates issued by the Barbados Meteorological Services and follow the guidance and recommendations provided by the Department of Emergency Management.