20th August, 2009- At 5:00pm Hurricane Bill, now downgraded to Category 3, was located near latitude 23.8 north longitude 63.2 west, about 595 miles south of Bermuda and about 1080 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles. The minimum central pressure reported was 948 MB.

Moving steadily northwest near 18 mph, Bill is expected to make a gradual turn to the north-northwest and north on Saturday.  Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 125 mph with higher gusts. Intensity may fluctuate during the 12 to 24 hours, and Bill still has the potential to regain Category 4 status on Friday.

The Eye of Bill is now approximately 400 miles north of the Virgin Islands
Bill, a large hurricane, is of no threat to the Virgin Islands. However, we expect a few isolated showers due to local heating conditions in combination with outer spiral bands which broke off from the hurricane. This is creating hazy conditions across the territory along with heavy downpours.

A small craft advisory has been issued for late this evening.
The main concern to the territory is the increase in swells which have begun to affect the northern shores. We can expect seas in excess of 10 to 12 feet although the larger swells are expected to remain out in the offshore Atlantic waters. These swells can create rough conditions, especially for Small Crafts.

All residents are asked to continue to monitor the weather, and to remain in a state of preparedness.

For more information, please visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com.

Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information inappropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.