Tropical Storm Bret, June 22, 2023

Tropical Storm Bret

The second named storm in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season is currently forecast to impact the Lesser Antilles Thursday night into Friday. Abnormally warm waters have allowed Bret to strengthen into a strong tropical storm. It is currently moving west at about 14 mph and has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph with stronger gusts. Bret’s intensity is not likely to change much before it impacts the Lesser Antilles, but shortly after it enters the Caribbean it is expected to weaken. Strong wind shear in the atmosphere will tear the storm apart as it tracks towards Mexico. Bret is not forecast to impact the United States.

Watches and Warnings

Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect for Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These mean that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane watch is also in effect for St. Lucia in case Bret gains a small amount of strength, which is not expected at this time. Tropical storm force winds and poor weather are expected to reach the islands by Thursday evening and last overnight. Additional alerts could be added in some portions of the Lesser Antilles as the system continues its approach.

Impacts

Current forecast models show Bret beginning to impact the Lesser Antilles Thursday evening. The center of the storm is expected to move over the islands Thursday night and pull away from the islands on Friday. 3 to 6 inches of rainfall are possible with this storm, bringing a risk for flooding. There is also a high likelihood for dangerous waves, storm surge along the coast, and tropical storm force winds in the warning areas. Make sure to keep a close eye to National Hurricane Center updates as Bret begins to impact the islands later on Thursday. The latest official information can always be found at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Stay safe!