Tropical Storm Dolly has formed over the central tropical Atlantic, with residents of the Leeward Islands being advised to closely monitor its progress ahead of the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center said at 11 a.m. Thursday that Dolly was located about
1,555 miles (2,505 kilometres) east of the Leeward Islands
, with maximum sustained winds of
40 mph (65 km/h)
.
The storm was moving west at a rapid
24 mph (39 km/h)
.
On its current forecast track, Dolly is expected to approach the Leeward Islands this weekend. However, forecasters expect little change in strength over the next 48 hours and predict the system will
degenerate into a tropical wave before reaching the islands
.
There are currently
no coastal watches or warnings in effect
, but the NHC said interests in the Leeward Islands should continue monitoring the storm.
Heavy rainfall associated with the system could begin affecting the Leeward Islands
late Saturday into Sunday
, with the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola potentially seeing heavy rain Sunday and Monday.
The rainfall could produce flash flooding, particularly in areas of higher terrain.
Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend outward up to 60 miles from Dolly’s centre.
The next complete advisory is scheduled for 5 p.m. AST Thursday.
Source: Antigua News Room Tropical Storm Dolly Forms, Leeward Islands Told to Monitor.