Hurricane hunters investigating Tropical Storm Tammy early this morning, Thursday, October 19, have determined the weather system is stronger than previously anticipated.
This triggered a special mid-morning advisory from the US National Hurricane Center in Florida. The updated forecast calls for TS Tammy to become a hurricane as it begins to pull away from the Caribbean islands on Saturday.
The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) reported at 8am, the centre of Tropical Storm Tammy was located near 13.5N 55.1W, or approximately 300 MI (490 KM) east of Barbados.
Tropical Storm Tammy has strengthened significantly since the 5am update. At 5am, Tammy’s maximum sustained winds remain near 40 MPH (65 KMH) and her movement was westward at 17MPH (28KMH) with a minimum central pressure of 1006MB. A mere three hours later, Tammy’s maximum sustained winds grew to near 60 MPH (55 KMH) and the movement is westward at 16MPH (26KMH) with a minimum central pressure of 1004MB.
Expected Impacts:Marine conditions are forecast to deteriorate from Thursday night, October 19, 2023 with moderate to rough swells of 2.5 to 3.5m (8ft to 11ft) in open water. As a result, a small craft warning and high surf advisory is in effect for Barbados.
Possible Impacts:The system is projected to pass north of the island, there is the possibility of occasional gusty winds in moderate to heavy showers associated with feeder bands, Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Model guidance currently projects rainfall accumulations around 2 to 4 inches with isolated higher amounts.
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.
The next advisory will be issued at 11am Thursday, October 19, 2023
