Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to pass north of mainland St Vincent by late Monday/early Tuesday.

And a tropical storm watch is now in effect for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to an advisory from the Argyle International Airport Meteorological Services issued at midday today, the system is moving towards the west at 14 mph (22 km/h).

At 11:00 a.m. Tropical Storm “Dorian” was centred near 11.2 North 52.9 West or about 575 miles (925 km) east-southeast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 25 miles (40 km) from the centre. The minimum central pressure is 1008mb (29.77inches).

The advisory said that large swells of was much as 12 ft are also forecast to accompany the system and low-lying coastlines around the islands will be particularly vulnerable at times of high tide.

Large waves and dangerous rip-tides can also be expected. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen.

As a result, a High-Surf Advisory and Small-Craft Warning will be in effect from 12 noon tomorrow until 6pm on Tuesday. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are also advised to stay out of the water.

High tides are expected around 1:27 am and 1:37 pm on Monday; 2:20 am and 2:24 pm on Tuesday, and 3:20 am and 3:16 pm on Wednesday.

The National Emergency Management Organisation has advised that all residents of SVG complete preparations for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Dorian.