TROPICAL STORM WATCH CONTINUED AT 11 AM FOR TROPICAL STORM BRET

AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT IS SCHEDULED TO INVESTIGATE THIS AFTERNOON…

Bulletin #3. Issued 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

The Tropical Storm Watch issued for Dominica, by The Government of Dominica, continues. 

A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

At 11 am, the center of Tropical Storm Bret was located near latitude 13.0 north, longitude 52.5 west or about 612 miles east southeast of Dominica.

Bret is moving slightly slower toward the west near 14 mph (22 km/h), and this motion is expected to continue for the next several days. 

On the forecast track, the center of the system is projected to move across the Windward Islands, between St. Lucia and Martinique overnight Thursday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast before Bret reaches the Lesser Antilles; however, the storm is expected to maintain tropical storm status as it crosses the Windward Islands.

The estimated arrival of the earliest tropical storm force winds is from Thursday afternoon.

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 could result in widespread flooding, possibly 100 to 200 mm/ 4 to 8 inches of rainfall or greater in higher elevations;
• 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 fall 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.