Ophelia once again a tropical storm

Sea swells of up to six feet have been predicted for the Leeward Islands.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Wednesday September 28, 2011 - Thunder storms, and sea swells of up to six feet have been predicted for the Leeward Islands as the slow-moving Ophelia was forecast to develop into a tropical cyclone later today.

Flash flood warnings were issued for the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands and residents were told to continue monitoring the weather system and to be prepared to take quick action if necessary.

Earlier today, the centre was located near latitude 18.7 north, longitude 59.9 west as it moved toward the north-northwest near three miles per hour.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami said an increase in forward speed expected over the next few days.

The maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles per hour or 85 kilometres per hour, with higher gusts.

The Antigua Meteorological Service has issued advisories for small craft operators and sea bathers as the system continues to generate cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms across the region.

Ophelia formed September 20 east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands and, several days later, degenerated into a remnant low.

This year has been described at the seventh-most active on record with 16 storms having been formed in the Atlantic. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)