Antigua and Barbuda Warns of Heavy Rain as Tropical Wave Nears Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda’s Meteorological Service is warning of heavy rainfall across some parts of the Eastern Caribbean this weekend. It is because a tropical wave is moving towards the Lesser Antilles. It is being predicted that three inches of rain is possible in Antigua and Barbuda from Friday night through Saturday night.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service monitored the Atlantic system. Director Dale Destin said that the main concern is flooding. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has said that gusty winds and heavy rain could occur on Friday night and on Saturday.

The NHC had been tracking the disturbance as Invest AL92. On Thursday, forecasters said that showers and thunderstorms that are related to the tropical wave were showing signs of becoming a short-lived tropical depression. It is predicted that it could develop into depression in one or two days as it is moving westward. It was approximately 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles at that time.

However, later that day, the NHC reported that the thunderstorms had become less organised. They said that the wave was now moving into stronger upper-level winds and dry air. As per these conditions, it is expected that it would not evolve into depression but rainfall and winds are possible.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service also issued an assessment in Official Statement #2 on Thursday. It said that the tropical wave was about 1,400 kilometres east of the Lesser Antilles. And it was predicted that it had a 60% chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next one week. TTMS said that the system was going to affect the Lesser Antilles from Friday to Saturday as heavy rainfall and gusty winds were also possible.

By August 14, the NHC was still tracking AL92 as it was moving closer to the Lesser Antilles. According to latest information, the wave was placed about 650 miles east of the islands and it had become less organised. While, heavy rain and gusty winds remained possible throughout.

The major concerns for Antigua and Barbuda and other neighbouring islands is the weather impacts rather than further development. Residents are being encouraged to monitor the forecast through the weekend.