Barbados has upgraded its Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning, as the island prepares for severe weather conditions from this evening, with the passage of Bret.

Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw has urged all Barbadians to be indoors from 6pm, with all non-essential government services on the island being shut down at this time.

The centre of the storm is forecast to move across the northern Winward islands from this evening and tonight, moving westward across the Caribbean Sea on Friday and Saturday.

Schools in Barbados were closed at 1pm and public transport will stop by 5pm, the Acting Prime Minister announced.