BASSETERRE – The governments of Antigua and Barbuda, France, and Sint Maarten have issued Tropical Storm Warnings for Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten as Tropical Storm Jerry approaches the northern Leeward Islands. These warnings indicate that tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, are expected within the next 12 hours. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe, where such conditions are possible during the same timeframe.
At 2:00 PM AST, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Tropical Storm Jerry was located at 16.5°N, 60.0°W, approximately 235 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm is moving west-northwest at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and gusts reaching higher.
The NHC forecasts a turn toward the northwest by this evening, with the storm’s center expected to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands tonight. Gradual strengthening is anticipated, and Jerry could intensify into a hurricane by late Friday or Saturday.
Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis are urged to prepare for potential impacts, as the Tropical Storm Watch signals that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. The NHC warns of tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 175 miles from Jerry’s center, posing risks of damaging gusts in the watch and warning areas. Heavy rainfall is also a significant concern, with 2 to 4 inches expected across the Leeward and Virgin Islands through Friday, and isolated areas could see up to 6 inches.
Swells generated by Jerry are already affecting the Leeward and Windward Islands and are expected to spread to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight, continuing westward over the next few days.