As Hurricane Tammy approaches Antigua and Barbuda and nearby islands, it is rapidly gaining strength.

The latest update from the National Hurricane Centre, released at 11pm, reveals that Tammy’s maximum sustained winds have grown significantly to 80 mph, a notable increase from the earlier 8pm update which reported winds of 75 mph.

Furthermore, Tammy’s forward speed has picked up to 9 mph, up from the previously reported 7 mph.

It is important for residents and visitors in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and stay up to date with official reports and guidance.

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, as Tropical Storm Tammy approaches.  The NHC warns that tropical storm conditions are expected within the tropical storm warning area from tonight.  

Hurricane conditions are also expected in the hurricane warning area by late tonight or early Saturday, with hurricane conditions possible in the hurricane watch area in the Leeward Islands on Saturday. 

Tammy is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region, with Leeward Islands expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain and maximum amounts of 12 inches.

 Portions of the Windward Islands are expected to receive between 2 to 4 inches of rain with maximum amounts of 6 inches. According to the forecast, Tammy will turn toward the northwest tonight followed by a north-northwestward and northward turn on Saturday night through Sunday night.  

The center of Tammy is expected to move near or over portions of the Leeward Islands tonight through Saturday night, and then move north of the northern Leeward Islands on Sunday. 

Tammy has maximum sustained winds of near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts. The NHC predicts some additional strengthening during the next day or so while the hurricane moves near or over portions of the Leeward Islands. 

The hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles (35 km) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles.