The National Hurricane Center has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently advancing toward the northern Leeward Islands. As of 5:00 PM AST on October 9, 2025, Jerry was positioned approximately 175 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a central pressure of 1001 mb. The storm is moving west-northwest at 18 mph, with a predicted shift toward the northwest later in the evening. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, and Guadeloupe, while a watch has been issued for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, and St. Eustatius. Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for tropical storm conditions, including heavy rainfall of 4 to 6 inches in Barbuda and 2 to 4 inches across other islands, posing a significant risk of flash flooding. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected to impact coastal regions. The next advisory will be released at 8:00 PM AST, with a full update at 11:00 PM AST. Forecasters emphasize the importance of monitoring local weather updates and adhering to safety precautions.
分类： world
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US Air Force plane touches down at Piarco Airport
A United States Air Force (USAF) C17 aircraft touched down at Piarco International Airport on October 9, sparking widespread speculation on social media. Many speculated that the arrival was linked to ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean Sea, particularly against Venezuelan narco-terrorists. However, the US Embassy in Port of Spain clarified that the aircraft was there to repatriate the remains of a US embassy official who had passed away on October 2. The embassy expressed gratitude for the support of the Trinidad and Tobago government and its people during this challenging time. Despite the official explanation, social media users remained skeptical, with some claiming the US military was using Trinidad as a staging ground for actions against Venezuela. The aircraft departed Piarco later that afternoon after completing its mission.
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Havenbeheer: faciliteiten voldoen aan internationale veiligheidsnormen
The N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname has issued a statement reaffirming that its port facilities fully comply with international safety standards. This declaration comes in response to Suriname’s inclusion on the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) ‘Condition of Entry’ list, which mandates additional inspections for ships originating from countries where deficiencies have been identified. The Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal and the Oil Terminal, both managed by N.V. Havenbeheer, are ISPS-certified and meet all requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The company clarified that the USCG’s concerns pertain to other facilities not under its jurisdiction. During the most recent USCG visit last month, no deficiencies were found at the Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal, which was even recognized as a ‘Best Practice’ example. N.V. Havenbeheer conducts regular training, drills, and safety checks in collaboration with local police, fire departments, customs, emergency services, and international partners. On September 12, a meeting was held with U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher, who explained the USCG’s decision. Havenbeheer presented its recent inspection results and safety initiatives during the discussion. The company also highlighted that the temporary suspension of ISPS certificates in early September has since been lifted. N.V. Havenbeheer remains committed to investing in safety and professionalism, stating, ‘Our ports meet all international standards. We will continue to collaborate with national and international agencies to further strengthen Suriname’s maritime security.’
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Tropical Storm Jerry Expected Near Northern Leeward Islands This Evening and Tonight
A tropical storm warning has been activated for the Northern Leeward Islands as Tropical Storm Jerry advances toward the region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has alerted residents to brace for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous marine conditions expected to impact the area later this evening and into the night. As of the latest advisory, Jerry is projected to pass near or just north of the Leeward Islands within the next several hours, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 65 mph (100 km/h) and potential for higher gusts. The storm’s center is currently located approximately 200 miles east of Antigua, moving west-northwest at a speed of 17 mph (28 km/h). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and neighboring islands have urged residents to take immediate precautions. Flash flooding in low-lying areas and dangerous surf conditions are anticipated, with swells from Jerry expected to affect the Lesser Antilles, producing life-threatening rip currents. Meteorologists predict slight strengthening of the storm before it encounters less favorable conditions over the weekend. Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and adhere to instructions from local disaster management authorities.
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Tropical Storm Jerry Moves West-Northwest as Islands Stay on Alert
A tropical storm warning has been activated for the Northern Leeward Islands as Tropical Storm Jerry advances toward the region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has alerted residents to brace for strong winds, torrential rainfall, and hazardous marine conditions, expected to intensify later this evening and persist into the night. Jerry is projected to pass near or just north of the Leeward Islands within the next few hours, with maximum sustained winds recorded at approximately 65 mph (100 km/h) and potential gusts reaching higher speeds. At the latest advisory, the storm’s center was located about 200 miles east of Antigua, moving west-northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and neighboring islands have issued urgent calls for residents to prepare for tropical storm conditions, which could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas and create perilous coastal conditions. The NHC forecasts that tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall will impact the warning zones through early Friday, accompanied by dangerous surf and rip currents. While Jerry may experience slight strengthening in the short term, meteorologists predict less favorable conditions over the weekend. Residents are strongly advised to stay updated through official channels and adhere to guidance from local disaster management authorities.
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Certainty in an uncertain world
The recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, spanning from October 1 to 8, showcased unprecedented levels of domestic and international travel, as well as robust consumer activity. Cross-regional passenger trips surged to a record 2.43 billion, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase. Cross-border travel also hit historic highs, with daily inbound and outbound travelers exceeding 2.04 million, an 11.5% rise from the previous year. Bookings for flights to China by foreign tourists soared by over 40%, reflecting both the enthusiasm of Chinese tourists traveling abroad and the growing interest of international visitors in China. These trends underscore China’s steady economic growth, openness, and resilience amid global economic uncertainties. China’s ability to maintain stability and growth is attributed to several key factors: First, a consistent development strategy and scientific macroeconomic policies. Since 1953, China has implemented 14 Five-Year Plans, ensuring policy coherence and long-term vision. Second, a super-large market with over 1.4 billion people and a complete industrial system, which provides economic resilience. Third, a friendly investment environment, with over 1.24 million foreign-funded companies established by the end of 2024 and actual utilised foreign capital reaching 20.6 trillion yuan ($2.83 trillion). Fourth, an innovative and green development pattern, with China’s Global Innovation Index ranking rising to 10th in 2025 and significant progress in green transformation. Fifth, an inclusive development philosophy, exemplified by President Xi Jinping’s people-centered approach, which has lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty since 2012. China’s global initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), have further solidified its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development worldwide. By 2030, the BRI is expected to lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in participating countries. Over 150 countries have joined the BRI, and more than 100 support the GDI. China remains committed to fostering a community with a shared future for humanity, bringing certainty to the global economy and contributing to global prosperity.
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Tropical Storm Conditions Expected in Barbuda later this afternoon or evening and continue into the night
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.
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Brace for unstable weather conditions this weekend — Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a weather advisory, warning residents to prepare for rainy conditions as a broad trough sweeps across the western Caribbean this weekend. The weather system is expected to linger over the region for several days, bringing unstable weather patterns to Jamaica and neighboring countries.
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Caricom expresses ‘cautious optimism’ on Gaza peace deal
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom), a 15-member regional bloc, expressed cautious optimism on Friday regarding the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza. In an official statement, Caricom described the agreement as a pivotal step toward mitigating the suffering of Palestinians and ensuring the safe return of Israeli hostages. The ceasefire, declared by Israel, took effect at noon (0900 GMT) on Friday, with Israeli troops beginning their withdrawal from Gaza. Concurrently, thousands of displaced Palestinians started returning to their devastated homes. The United States Pentagon confirmed that Israel had completed the first phase of its military pullback, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Under the agreement, Hamas is set to release 47 hostages, both living and deceased, who were abducted two years ago. Additionally, the remains of another hostage held since 2014 are expected to be returned. Caricom emphasized the importance of the stipulated terms, including a sustained pause in hostilities, the withdrawal of military forces, the reciprocal release of hostages and prisoners, and the guarantee of immediate and safe humanitarian access. The regional body urged all signatories to fully honor their commitments, stressing that this initial phase should lay the groundwork for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Caricom reiterated its stance that a just and lasting peace, in line with international law, can only be achieved through a negotiated Two-State Solution, which addresses the legitimate security and dignity aspirations of both nations.
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Body of embassy official repatriated to home state — US Air Force plane lands in Piarco
A United States Air Force (USAF) C17 aircraft landed at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad on October 9, igniting widespread speculation on social media about potential military operations in the Caribbean. Many speculated the arrival was linked to ongoing U.S. efforts to combat Venezuelan narco-terrorism. However, U.S. embassy officials clarified that the aircraft was there to repatriate the remains of a senior embassy official who had passed away earlier in October. The embassy expressed gratitude for the support of the Trinidadian government and people during this difficult time. Despite the official explanation, social media users remained unconvinced, with some claiming the aircraft’s presence signaled a broader military strategy. The aircraft departed later that afternoon after completing its mission. Additionally, reports emerged of a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane, possibly a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, flying over southern Trinidad multiple times since October 7. Retired aviation expert Ramesh Lutchmedial noted that such activities are typically coordinated between governments and not disclosed publicly. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has requested permission to install radar equipment at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, a move currently under review by Grenadian authorities. The request follows the Trump administration’s deployment of military assets to the Caribbean in late August to address narco-terrorism concerns.