Tropical Storm Karen Forms Near Windward Islands

Tropical Storm Karen formed early this morning, just east of the southern Windward Islands. It currently has 40 mph winds and little change in strength is expected over the next 48 hours.

On the current track, it will move into the eastern Caribbean by Monday and then turn north. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are within the cone of uncertainty and may see tropical storm watches posted later today. Right now, Karen would still be a tropical storm as it passes over the islands Tuesday into Wednesday. But there is still time for things to change.

Tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for the southern Windward Islands. Rainfall totals of 3-6″ are possible as well as tropical storm force winds.

Tropical Storm Jerry remains over the Atlantic with no direct impacts to land. It will slowly move north through Tuesday and then pick up speed as it turns out into the Atlantic. Bermuda could see impacts by midweek.

The tropical wave has come off the coast of Africa and is organizing. It will likely become a tropical depression by Monday. The Cabo Verde Islands can expect heavy rain as the storm moves west. Models are suggesting it would take a path similar to Jerry, and head out in to the Atlantic. But we will be watching this wave for quite some time.

Jerry Now a Tropical Storm; Monitoring a Few Other Waves

Wind shear has weakened Jerry to a tropical storm with 65 mph winds. Locally heavy rainfall is still possible over the Northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico today. The storm will pass well east of the southeastern Bahamas on Sunday and then turn north into the Atlantic on Monday. Jerry could strengthen back into a hurricane next week as it nears Bermuda. 

The tropics are still very active. A disturbance over Cuba will bring heavy rain to the area this weekend, but development is not likely. Another wave several hundred miles east of the Windward Islands has a 60% chance of development over the next 5 days. The wave we are keeping a close eye on has yet to come off the coast of Africa. It could become a tropical depression by early next week. Still a long time to watch.