Tropical Storm Jerry continued its west-northwest trajectory on Thursday evening, passing just east of Barbuda and posing significant threats to the northern Leeward Islands. The storm, with maximum sustained winds nearing 65 mph (100 km/h), brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm’s center was located near latitude 17.5 North and longitude 61.1 West, approximately 45 miles (75 kilometers) east of Barbuda, as of 8 p.m. Tropical storm-force winds extended up to 175 miles (280 kilometers) from the center, affecting a wide area. Tropical Storm Warnings remain active for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and nearby islands. A Tropical Storm Watch has also been issued for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, and St. Eustatius. Forecasters predict that Jerry will turn northwest later tonight, with a slightly slower northward motion expected on Friday and Saturday. The storm is anticipated to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to Barbuda and 2 to 4 inches to other parts of the Leewards, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and mountainous areas. Additionally, swells generated by the storm are creating dangerous surf and rip current conditions across the Leeward and Virgin Islands, with similar conditions expected to reach the Greater Antilles in the coming days. Residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the storm’s impact.