Updated | Tropical Storm Bret Developments

A 5:00 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) explains that Tropical Storm Bret is currently moving toward the west at approximately 18 mph, with maximum sustained winds of about 45 mph, with higher wind gusts.

The latest forecast track from the NHC takes Bret into the Caribbean, passing to the south of the USVI and Puerto Rico this weekend. The advisory mentions that the system has likely encountered some wind shear, which may continue over the next few days. The likelihood of Bret reaching hurricane status has now slightly decreased. Still, the system is expected to experience some additional strengthening as it approaches the Caribbean islands.

“Bret is forecast to approach the Lesser Antilles through Thursday morning and then move across the islands Thursday afternoon and Thursday night as a tropical storm, bringing a risk of

flooding from heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous waves along the coast,” according to the NHC update.

“A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Barbados, and additional watches are likely for other islands within the Lesser Antilles later tonight,” the update continues.

The NHC stresses that uncertainty remains about the storm’s intensity and track. Additional updates will be posted as they become available.