Tropical Storm Jerry is gaining strength as it moves closer to the Leeward Islands, according to the latest update from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
At 11:00 a.m. (local time), the storm’s center was located near latitude 15.9° North and longitude 59.1° West, moving west-northwest at 18 mph. The system is expected to turn northwest late Thursday, followed by a slower northward motion on Friday and Saturday.
On its projected path, Jerry’s center is forecast to pass near or just northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to 65 mph, with higher gusts recorded. The NHC forecasts further strengthening, and Jerry could become a hurricane by late Friday or Saturday.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a tropical storm warning for Barbuda. At the same time, a Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthélemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe, along with nearby islands.
A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within 12 hours, while a Tropical Storm Watch means such conditions are possible within 48 hours.
The NHC is advising residents and authorities across the northern Leeward Islands, as well as the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, to closely monitor the storm’s progress as it continues to intensify.