Tropical Storm Bret spins toward eastern Caribbean as islands brace for heavy winds, flooding
Published:Tuesday | June 20, 2023 | 8:34 AM
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Bret chugged toward the eastern Caribbean on Tuesday as forecasters warned it could strengthen into a hurricane before approaching a region rushing to prepare itself for an unusually early storm.
Bret had maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (mph) and was moving across the Atlantic Ocean at 17 mph.
It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane in the coming days but then weaken ahead of its approach to the Lesser Antilles, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The storm is expected to pummel some eastern Caribbean islands on Thursday and Friday at near hurricane strength.
“Both the atmospheric and oceanic environment look conducive for strengthening during the next couple of days with low shear and abnormally warm ocean waters,” the center said.
Forecasters warned of strong winds, dangerous storm surges and waves, and flooding from heavy rainfall.
They urged people in the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to closely monitor the storm and have their hurricane plans in place.
“Given the larger than usual uncertainty in the track forecast, it is too early to specify the location and magnitude of where these hazards could occur,” the centre said.
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