19th August, 2009- At 1100 AM Hurricane Bill was located near latitude 18.7 north, longitude 56.3 west or about 380 miles east-northeast of the Leeward Islands, moving west-northwest at near 18 mph. This track is expected to continue today and Thursday, with a gradual turn to the northwest, then northward, expected thereafter.

Bill, a Category 4 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale, has maximum sustained winds of near 135 mph with higher gusts.  This large system has hurricane force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 175 miles, with a Minimum Central Pressure of 950 MB. Some additional strengthening is possible during the next 24 hours.

Although Bill is projected to pass well north of the area, this huge hurricane will create high surf conditions and generate large swells within our territory. According to the NWS PR, sea conditions will begin to deteriorate later this evening with swells peaking as much to 10 to 14 feet on Thursday. A Small Craft Advisory will be issued from 6PM this evening to 6AM Friday morning.

Residents are again reminded to remain in a high state of preparedness, monitor the system, and 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.