Tropical Storm Jerry is continuing its west-northwest track across the Atlantic, with forecasters warning that the system could strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend as it nears the northern Leeward Islands.
At 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (1800 UTC), the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the centre of Jerry was located near latitude 14.3°N, longitude 53.7°W, about 680 miles (1,095 kilometres) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands.
The storm is moving quickly toward the west-northwest at 23 mph (37 km/h), packing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h).
Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next few days, with Jerry expected to reach hurricane strength by the weekend.
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Guadeloupe.
The NHC said the storm’s centre is expected to pass near or just to the northeast of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Thursday night, before turning northwest and then north at a slower speed into the weekend.
Forecasters warn that 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of rain are likely across the Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the US Virgin Islands from Thursday into Saturday morning, with isolated totals reaching 6 inches (15 cm) in some areas.
The rainfall could trigger flash flooding, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
Swells generated by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands on Thursday, spreading westward toward the Greater Antilles on Friday. These swells may produce life-threatening surf and rip currents, and residents have been urged to heed advice from local meteorological offices.
Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are currently investigating the storm, while NOAA buoys in the region have recorded winds of up to 47 mph (76 km/h) with higher gusts as Jerry passes nearby.
The storm’s minimum central pressure is estimated at 1,000 millibars (29.53 inches).
Officials across the northeastern Caribbean have advised residents to monitor updates closely and review their preparedness plans, though no warnings have yet been upgraded.
The NHC will issue its next full advisory at 5:00 p.m. AST.
