Governor Augustus Jaspert said he decided to activate the NEOC ‘considering the current state of our environment’ and after consulting with Premier Andrew Fahie.

He said the move was necessary after reviewing the latest update from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

“As many are aware last night we moved to a Tropical Storm warning for Tropical Storm Dorian. Those who have been monitoring Tropical Storm Dorian will know by now that overnight the system shifted slightly north bringing some of inter intense outer bands of rain closer to us,” the governor said.

He continued: “On reviewing the radar data from the latest update, the DDM has indicated that rain bands could start affecting us at the beginning of the workday. There will be some ease throughout the morning, and by midday, we can see more rain. The centre of the storm will pass about 60 miles south of our islands at around 2 or 3 pm.”

Government offices closed

Because of the latest development, the governor “agreed with the Deputy Governor that government offices will close today”.

“Businesses and residence should follow that same approach by securing premises early and everyone else should stay off the roads,” Governor Jaspert said in a statement Wednesday morning.

Also echoing his safety warnings, Premier Fahie urged residents to remain indoors for their safety.

“If you are going to make any final preparations at this time, please exercise caution and stay safe,” he stated.

Latest DDM advisory on Dorian

In its latest weather bulletin, the DDM said at 5 am the centre of Dorian was located near latitude 16.8 degrees North, longitude 63.9 degrees West.

“Dorian is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph and this general motion is expected to continue during the next few days. On the forecast track, the centre of Dorian will pass over or near the USVI, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico later today,” it said.

It continued: “Dorian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Although weakening is possible after Dorian moves across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the storm is forecast to strengthen late this week and this weekend while passing near or to the east of the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.”

The territory can possibly experience tropical storm beginning this afternoon with rainfall estimates in the range of four to six inches with isolated amounts of 10 inches are possible in some areas.

Increase sea swells storm surge of one to two feet possible the DDM added.