Tropical Storm Philippe makes landfall in Barbuda prompting FDCO alert

"Philippe could bring heavy rains and flooding to portions of the Leeward Islands and British Virgin Islands later today," said the Antigua & Barbuda Met Office. "A tropical cyclone alert remains in effect for Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

"Maximum sustained winds are near 50mph (85 kmph) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or so, but Philippe could begin to intensify more significantly around the middle of the week."

The Met Office advised sea bathers to avoid beaches along the islands’ northern and eastern coastlines.

The Foreign Office issued new travel advice late on Monday evening (2 October) as Philippe bore down on Antigua & Barbuda.

"The government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a tropical storm warning," said the FCDO. "Tropical Storm Philippe is likely to cause tropical storm conditions, including heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding across both islands on 2 and 3 October.

"You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Antigua & Barbuda Met Office and the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders."