Saint Lucia: Tropical Storm Gonzalo to threaten southern Windward Islands from July 25

Event

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Gonzalo is forecast to strengthen on Thursday, July 23, before threatening the Caribbean from Saturday, July 25. On Wednesday, July 22, the storm system was located some 1250 miles (2012 km) east of the southern Windward Islands, moving west-northwest at 12mph (19 kph) at a strength of 45 mph (72 kph). Gonzalo could become the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season's first hurricane on Thursday, but is then forecast to weaken slightly before it impacts land.

The exact path of the storm is likely to become clearer in the coming days. The NHC has advised those with interests in the southern Winward islands to monitor the progress of Gonzalo, as it could bring winds and heavy rainfall, causing associated disruptions. Grenada, Saint Vincent, and St Lucia are among those likely to be worst affected, with Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago also possibly impacted.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.