18th August, 2009- At 1100 AM the eye of Hurricane Bill was located near latitude 15.9 north longitude 51.2 west or about 705 miles east of the Leeward Islands.

Bill is moving toward the west-northwest near 16 mph. A west-northwest motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours followed by a turn toward the northwest on Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 105 mph with higher gusts.  Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. Estimated minimum central pressure is 963 mb.

Bill is a category two hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.  Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Bill could become a major hurricane within the next day or so.  An air force reserve hurricane hunter aircraft is expected to investigate bill this afternoon.

At this time Bill is no threat to Virgin Islands and forecasts have projected Bill to head north and out to sea in a few days; however, it is still too early to confirm that this turn will in fact take place.  We will monitor the system in the event of any sudden change.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) reminds residents to continue to monitor the system and remain in a high state of preparedness.

All are encouraged to stay tuned to local radio and television stations. Continuous updates will be available on 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.