Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly approaching the northern Leeward Islands, with Barbuda expected to experience its impact by Thursday afternoon. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that as of 11 a.m. AST, Jerry was positioned near latitude 15.9 North and longitude 59.1 West, approximately 310 miles east-southeast of the region. The storm is advancing west-northwest at 18 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Barbuda, signaling that severe conditions are imminent within the next 12 hours. Additionally, tropical storm watches are in place for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe, along with its adjacent islands. Forecasters predict that Jerry will intensify in the coming days, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. Currently, tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 999 millibars. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 2 to 4 inches and isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches across the Leeward and Virgin Islands through Friday. This raises concerns of flash flooding in low-lying and mountainous regions. Puerto Rico is also likely to experience similar rainfall due to the storm’s moisture. Swells generated by Jerry are already affecting parts of the Leeward and Windward Islands and are expected to spread toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Authorities urge residents to finalize preparations, stay informed through official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, and monitor advisories from the National Hurricane Center. The next full update is scheduled for 5 p.m. AST.
Tropical Storm Conditions Expected in Barbuda later this afternoon or evening and continue into the night
