A group of Caribbean islands are under tropical storm alert with warnings of hurricane-strength winds and flooding possible.
The warning issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) covers Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.
Tropical Storm Tammy was set to hit Antigua and Barbuda yesterday (Thursday).
Forecasters at AccuWeather say that it will impact the islands in the northeastern Caribbean as a strengthening hurricane and may become a major hurricane — Category 3 or greater — as it pulls away from the islands next week.
Meteorologists expect Tammy to reach hurricane intensity as it approaches the Leeward Islands on Friday with heavy rain expected, according to the US Hurricane Centre. Tammy may then continue to gain strength while passing over the islands this weekend.
Tammy was packing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it was positioned 165 miles off Barbados and 270 miles off Martinique in the eastern Caribbean last night.
It was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 mph across the central Atlantic.
Travellers have been urged to monitor local weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
The FCDO said: “The island of Barbuda was seriously hit by hurricanes in September 2017. Many buildings were destroyed and reconstruction work is still taking place.
“If you’re planning to visit Barbuda you should monitor local and international weather updates, follow the advice of the local authorities and ensure your accommodation is secure.”