TROPICAL STORM BRET EXPECTED TO BRING SQUALLY CONDITIONS TO ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

According to a 6:00 p.m. special statement issued by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Office, at 5pm this afternoon, the Tropical Disturbance was upgraded to Tropical Storm Bret. The centre was located near latitude 9.4 North, longitude 59.8 West.

The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 30 mph (48km/h) it is expected to continue at a slightly slower speed over the next 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds of near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts on the northern side of the system.

Storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km), mainly northwest through northeast of the centre.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines can expect squally conditions tonight into Tuesday with:

Cloudy to overcast with some pockets of light to moderate to showers, periods of rain, gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms

Rainfall accumulations decreased to 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm)

Strong EAST-NORTH EAST winds increase to 25 to 35 mph…35 to 50km/h with occasional higher gusts to tropical storm force are possible

Seas are already increasing and could become rough to very rough 4.0m- 5.0m (13-16 ft.) and possibly high tonight into early Tuesday, with easterly storm surge.

A high surf advisory and small craft warning is in effect. All sea-bathers and boat operators should take all necessary precautions.

The Ministry of Education has advised that after recommendations from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services of possible gale force winds, heavy rains and rough seas, that all schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be closed on Tuesday 20th June.

The Ministry is further advising that parents keep their children indoors and supervised at all times. Do not let them wander near flooded streams or rivers or venture outside during the heavy squalls/gusty winds.

The National Emergency Management Organisation continues to urge all residents, especially residents of the Southern Grenadine Islands of Union Island, Canouan, Mayreau, Petit St. Vincent and Palm Island to take all the necessary precautions. The gale force winds, squally conditions and rough seas can still impact these areas.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has already received reports of damage to two house roofs.

The St. Vincent Meteorological Services is monitoring the system overnight and will provide updates as necessary.