NHC continues to monitor tropical wave east of the Lesser Antilles

The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has said a weather system, which could become the next tropical cyclone, is continuing to show signs of development.

In the forecast today, NHC said the low-pressure system, which is located about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, is producing showers and thunderstorms.

“Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression is likely to form within the next couple of days while the system approaches and then moves near or over the Leeward Islands,” NHC said.

If the system develops into a tropical storm, it will be called Ernesto.

Meteorological and disaster management agencies in the region have put residents on notice to prepare for the potential storm.

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issued a tropical cyclone alert for the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands yesterday.

It said residents in potentially affected areas should complete their hurricane preparedness plans and be ready to implement them at short notice.