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Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly approaching the northern Leeward Islands, prompting urgent warnings from meteorological authorities. As of 1100 AM AST, the storm was located near latitude 15.9 North, longitude 59.1 West, approximately 310 miles east-southeast of the region. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a westward-northwest movement at 18 mph, Jerry is expected to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later today and tonight. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda, indicating that tropical storm conditions are imminent within the next 12 hours. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, signaling possible storm conditions within 48 hours. Jerry is forecasted to strengthen in the coming days, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches anticipated across the Leeward and Virgin Islands, and isolated totals up to 6 inches. This poses a significant risk of flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and steep terrain. Swells generated by Jerry are already affecting the Leeward and Windward Islands, with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions expected to spread westward. Residents are urged to monitor updates from their national meteorological services and prepare for hazardous weather. The next advisory will be issued at 2:00 PM AST, followed by a complete update at 5:00 PM AST.

Weather authorities have escalated Barbuda’s Tropical Storm Watch to a Tropical Storm Warning as Tropical Storm Jerry alters its trajectory slightly westward, positioning the storm closer to the island than initially projected. The warning, issued at 11 a.m. on Thursday, indicates that sustained tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated within the next 12 to 18 hours. Residents are strongly advised to finalize all storm preparations promptly and prepare for worsening conditions later in the day. Meanwhile, a Tropical Storm Watch remains active for Antigua and the broader Leeward Islands, where tropical storm conditions could still materialize if Jerry’s path veers further south. Meteorologists warn that the storm’s revised course heightens the risk of heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and turbulent seas across the northern Leeward Islands. Authorities urge the public to stay informed through official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as the situation evolves.

Antigua and Barbuda is poised to play a pivotal role in global climate diplomacy as Arry Simon, a senior official from the Department of Environment, has been appointed to lead the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and CARICOM in high-stakes science negotiations. These discussions will take place at the 63rd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-63) in Lima, Peru, and during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The talks are expected to shape the next decade of global climate action, with a focus on aligning the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) with the Second Global Stocktake (GST2) under the Paris Agreement. However, this alignment has faced resistance from several major carbon-emitting nations. Simon, a seasoned negotiator with extensive experience in UNFCCC processes, emphasized the challenges ahead. ‘We are entering a critical phase where evidence-based policymaking is under scrutiny,’ he stated. ‘Our role as Small Island Developing States is to defend the integrity of science and ensure global climate ambition is grounded in the best available evidence.’ Observers highlight that these negotiations will determine how scientific findings are integrated into future climate targets, financing frameworks, and adaptation strategies. For vulnerable island nations like Antigua and Barbuda, the outcomes are of existential importance. Under Simon’s leadership, the AOSIS Science delegation will advocate for the independence and continuity of the IPCC process while ensuring the next assessment cycle delivers timely, policy-relevant insights to guide the implementation of the Paris Agreement. As the world approaches COP30, a landmark event marking the midpoint to 2030, the alignment of science and policy will be crucial in determining whether global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C remain on track.

Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly gaining strength as it advances toward the northern Leeward Islands, posing significant risks to the region. According to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. advisory on October 9, 2025, the storm is moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 km/h) and is currently located approximately 395 miles (640 km) east-southeast of the islands. With maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h), Jerry is expected to intensify further, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and nearby islands. The storm’s center is forecasted to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later today, bringing heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches. This rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and steep areas. Additionally, tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 175 miles (280 km) east of the storm’s center could cause widespread damage. Marine hazards, including life-threatening surf and rip currents, are already affecting the Leeward and Windward Islands and are expected to spread to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed through official updates and prepare for deteriorating conditions. The National Hurricane Center will issue its next full advisory at 11 a.m. AST.

The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) has confirmed a magnitude 3.5 earthquake that occurred at 10:57 p.m. local time on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The seismic event was centered at latitude 17.49°N and longitude 61.77°W, with a depth of 19 kilometers. The epicenter was situated approximately 43 kilometers north-northeast of St. John’s, Antigua; 91 kilometers northeast of Brades, Montserrat; and 109 kilometers east-northeast of Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. The SRC emphasized that the earthquake was automatically recorded and that further analysis may lead to revisions in its location and magnitude. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The region, known for its seismic activity, remains on alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation. The SRC has urged residents to stay informed and prepared for potential aftershocks. This event underscores the importance of robust seismic monitoring systems in earthquake-prone areas.

For over a decade, Caribbean coasts have been plagued by extensive sargassum seaweed blooms, causing significant disruptions to fisheries, tourism, and local communities, and resulting in multi-million-dollar damages. However, through the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the EU, Team Europe, and Caribbean partners are now working to turn this environmental challenge into a source of cleaner coastlines, new employment opportunities, and a boost for local businesses. The third EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held recently, marked a pivotal shift from studies and pilot projects to actionable solutions. Governments, the private sector, academia, and international financiers convened to explore practical ways to transform sargassum into economic opportunities and improve its collection and management. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, emphasized that the sargassum crisis, which has long harmed local livelihoods and the tourism sector, can now be a catalyst for job creation, innovation, and even clean energy across the region. At the conference, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico pledged to collect and process a combined 660,000 tonnes of sargassum between 2026 and 2027. This initiative is the first step toward establishing a regional market for sargassum-based products, supported by EU investments and policy frameworks. The conference concluded with the announcement of the fourth EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, set to take place in Mexico, ensuring continued momentum and scaling of operations across the region. The Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, has prioritized sargassum since 2023, fostering collaboration among Caribbean partners to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.