A Hurricane Watch remains in effect for Barbados.
At 8:00 PM tonight, Thursday 23rd July 2020, Tropical Storm Gonzalo was located near 9.7N 49.9W or about 685MI…1102 KM ESE of Barbados. Maximum sustained winds remain near 60 MPH…95 KM/H. Storm-force winds extend outward only to 25 miles
(35 km) from the center. Present Movement…W or 275 degrees at 13 MPH or 20KM/H. Minimum central pressure…1000 MB… 29.53 inches.
A general westward to west-northwestward motion with an increase in forward speed is expected through the weekend. On its current forecast track, the center of Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to pass approximately 85 miles (137 km) to the south of Barbados on Saturday.
Gonzalo is currently wrapping mid level dry air into its core which is contributing to its poor appearance on satellite imagery. Despite this, some re-strengthening is still possible during the next couple of days, and there is still a chance that Gonzalo could become a hurricane within 36 to 48 hours or so. The intensity forecast remains very problematic and of low confidence due to the small size of the cyclone and occasional dry air entrainment.
Earliest arrival of winds:-
Sustained storm force winds are likely to spread across Barbados from the morning of Saturday 25th July 2020, possibly increasing to hurricane force by Saturday afternoon. During which time, sustained wind speeds of 60 to 75 mph (97 to 120 km/h) with higher gusts are likely to affect the island.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo is also likely to generate rough to very rough sea swells during its passage. An advisory for this hazard may become necessary later tonight or tomorrow if conditions warrant.
The next complete advisory will be issued at 11:00 PM.
