The Disaster Management Coordination Agency is closely monitoring Tropical Depression 18 located about 2030 miles ESE of the Northern Leeward Islands which include Montserrat.

At 5 PM, the center of Tropical Depression Eighteen was located near latitude 10.1 North, longitude 33.9 West. The depression is moving toward the west near 15 mph and this motion is expected to continue for the next day or so followed by a gradual turn to the west-northwest by Friday.Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.

Strengthening is forecast over the next several days.

The depression is forecast to become a tropical storm by tomorrow, and could be near hurricane intensity by the weekend.The estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb (29.77 inches).

Residents are urged to continue to monitor the Atlantic for any changes with Tropical Depression 18 over the next several days.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA will continue to keep an eye on Tropical Depression 18, and will provide regular updates as new information is released.