Tropical Depression Five heads to Windward Islands

(CNS): An area of low pressure, located about 850 miles east of the Windward Islands, has become better defined and environmental conditions are conducive for tropical cyclone formation and could become a tropical storm tonight or tomorrow, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system has a 70% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours as it moves west-northwestward at near 20 mph. At 5pm AST the centre of TD5 was located near latitude 12.2 north, longitude 49.0 west.

The depression is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph and a west-northwestward to westward motion at about the same forward speed is expected over the next 48 hours.  The NHS says the center of the tropical cyclone should be near the Windward Islands on Friday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.  Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.