Dean Threat to Barbados

Tropical storm Dean continues to strengthen (Web Posted - Thu Aug 16 2007)

Barbadians could be feeling the impact of what could be Hurricane Dean from as early as later this evening. Late yesterday, Tropical Storm Dean was gaining strength and marking out a path towards the Lesser Antilles.
According to the Barbados Meteorological Office, Tropical Storm Dean was continuing to move westward towards the Lesser Antilles. It was also expected that a Hurricane Watch would have been issued for portions of the Lesser Antilles last night or early this morning.
At 5 p.m., the centre of Tropical Storm Dean was located at 13.1 North, 47.9 West or about 870 miles east of Barbados.
The storm is moving towards the west-northwest at about 22 mph or 35 km/hr and a motion between west and west-northwest is expected within the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds with the storm have increased to 65 mph with higher gusts. Further strengthening is expected with the expectation that Dean could become a hurricane by today.
Tropical Storm force winds extend outwards up to 70 miles from the centre of the system. Estimated minimum central pressure was 994 millibars or 29.35 inches.

At this time, this storm is not expected to hit Florida. Stay alert, and be prepared for future events. Check your water. Have your medicine prescriptions filled. Keep your gas tank on full, and fill your wallet with small bills cash. The predictions have been made for a busy season.