The MET Office is currently contemplating issuing a tropical storm watch for Antigua and Barbuda as Philippe’s forecast path appears to be headed toward the islands.

Climatologist Dale Destin predicts that a watch will be put in effect by 11 a.m. While storm winds are not guaranteed, there is an increasing chance of them reaching Barbuda.

As of 500 AM, Tropical Storm Philippe’s center was located at latitude 16.4 North, longitude 58.2 West.

The storm is moving westward at a speed of 7 mph (11 km/h).

Beginning today and continuing into tonight, the storm is expected to move in a west-north-westward to a north-westward direction.

On Sunday and Monday, the storm is expected to turn towards the northwest with an increase in forward speed, followed by a northward motion on Tuesday.

According to the forecast track, Philippe’s center will pass near or just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands on Monday and Monday night.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds are around 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts.

There is not expected to be any change in strength over the next day or so, but some strengthening is possible by late Monday as Philippe begins to move north of the Leeward Islands.