Tropical Storm Jerry Could Become Latest Hurricane to Pass Through the Caribbean

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

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC)  said that the storm was about 1,315 miles east south east 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 NHC said, adding that the storm is moving towards the west near 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 NHC said, warning that Jerry is expected to become a hurricane in a day or two.

It said that 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.