After days of monitoring a weather disturbance labeled AL92, regional meteorological authorities have officially canceled all tropical cyclone alerts across the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands. Officials confirmed Friday that unfavorable atmospheric patterns have drastically reduced the system’s chance of strengthening into a named tropical cyclone, eliminating the immediate threat of a major storm hitting the island chain.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service confirmed in its Friday update that no tropical cyclone watches or warnings remain active across the affected region. While the risk of cyclone development has passed, the agency warned that the lingering system will still bring periods of turbulent, unsettled weather to the area over the coming one to one and a half days.
Lead forecaster Lenard Josiah detailed the expected weather impacts, noting that accumulated rainfall across most affected areas will range between half an inch and two inches. This amount of precipitation, while moderate, carries a risk of flash flooding in low-lying zones and communities that have historically been vulnerable to flood events. Josiah added that the region will also see gusty winds, with sudden wind speeds reaching as high as 65 kilometers per hour, or 40 miles per hour. Beyond land-based impacts, ocean conditions will deteriorate rapidly, with wave heights forecast to climb to between 8 and 12 feet across coastal waters.
In response to these lingering hazards, two official weather advisories are set to go into effect by 5 p.m. local time Friday: a high wind advisory for land areas and a small craft warning for all regional marine waters. Local officials have issued public guidance to help residents prepare for the unsettled conditions: anyone living in the affected areas is reminded to fasten or bring inside any loose, lightweight items kept outdoors, such as patio furniture, trash bins, or garden decor, to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in gusty winds. For boaters and small vessel operators, officials are strongly urging all mariners to stay anchored in safe harbor until hazardous sea conditions subside, as rough seas and high winds create major navigation risks.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has emphasized that it will maintain continuous surveillance of the AL92 system over the coming days, and will issue timely public updates if any changes in the system’s track or strength require new safety advisories.