19th August, 2009- At 5:00pm Hurricane Bill, a powerful, Category 4 storm, was located near 19.8North /57.6West, 335 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands. Maximum sustained winds are 135 mph with gusts up to 165 mph. Bill is moving northwest at about 20 mph, with hurricane force winds extending  outward up to 85 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extending  outward up to 230 miles. The minimum central pressure is 947 MB.

Forecasters expect Hurricane Bill to move northwest over the next two days and then turn north. On this path, the center of Bill should remain about 300 to 400 miles to the northeast of the northern Leeward Islands from today to early tomorrow. Except for large swells, Bill is not expected to greatly affect the weather conditions in the Virgin Islands.

Some swells may create high surf conditions and large breaking waves against shores. Tonight, we expect north winds 15-20mph with seas building 6-10feet in large east north east swells. On Thursday, we expect northwest winds 15-20 mph with seas 10-14 feet in east-north-east swells.

A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

All residents should continue to monitor this dangerous Hurricane, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, and remain prepared.

Continuous updates will be found 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.