Tropical Storm Jerry could become latest hurricane to affect the Caribbean

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Residents of the northern Leeward Islands were on Tuesday urged to monitor the passage of Tropical Storm Jerry, the 10th named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which could become a hurricane by the end of the week.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 1,315 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour (mph).

“Interests in the northern Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of Jerry, as Tropical Storm Watches could be required later today or tonight,” the hurricane centre said, adding that the storm is moving west at approximately 24 mph.

“A decrease in forward speed and a turn to the west-northwest is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the core of the system is expected to be near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday,” the centre added, warning that Jerry is expected to become a hurricane in a day or two.

It also said swells generated by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward Islands on Thursday.

“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” it added.

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