Issued 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023
At 5 PM, the Government of Dominica issued a tropical storm watch for Dominica.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch
area, generally within 48 hours.
At 5 PM, the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located near latitude 12.2 north, longitude
48.6 west or about 880 miles east southeast of Dominica.
Bret is moving quickly toward the west near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next several days. On the forecast track, the center of system is now projected to pass a bit more southerly across the Lesser Antilles, towards the end of the week.
Maximum sustained winds have increased slightly to near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts.
Additional strengthening is forecast; however, Bret is expected to maintain tropical storm
status on its approach.
The estimated arrival of earliest tropical storm force winds is from Thursday morning.
Uncertainty in the track and intensity forecast of Bret makes it difficult to specify the exact
location and magnitude of where hazards could occur.
POSSIBLE CONDITIONS:
An increase in wind speeds from Thursday, gusting to tropical storm force,
particularly overnight;
● An increase in showers and thunderstorm activity from overnight Thursday into
Friday which could result in widespread flooding, possibly 100 to 150 mm / 4 to 6
inches of rainfall or greater in higher elevation of possibly 8 to 10 inches;
● Deterioration in sea conditions on the east coast on Thursday, with waves peaking to
4.0 m/ 12.0 ft.
POSSIBLE IMPACTS:
● Rivers, streams, gutters and ravines will likely overflow their banks and flood
surrounding areas from overnight Thursday;
● Landslides and rock falls from overhanging cliffs;
● Loose objects can become missiles in gusty winds;
● Persons living near the coast will be impacted.
Residents should continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Bret and ensure that
they have their hurricane season plans finalized and ready for activation to protect life,
property and livelihood.
The Dominica Meteorological Service will continue to provide updates as they become
available.
Please stay tuned to the local weather forecast or check our website for updates on the
development of this system.