Tropical Storm Jerry prompts watches in the Caribbean

By JUDSON JONES

Tropical storm watches were in effect across the Caribbean early Wednesday, as officials warned of heavy rain, strong winds and rough surf in the coming days as Tropical Storm Jerry moves northwest across the Atlantic.

The storm, the 10th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, was expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend.

Here’s what you need to know.

— Tropical storm watches were in place Wednesday for Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Guadeloupe and the adjacent islands, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts, St. Martin, Saba and St. Eustatius. A watch means that hazardous conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, are possible within the next several days. It is often followed by a warning as the forecast becomes clearer.

— Forecasting models suggest the storm is likely to turn to the north by the weekend. The storm’s core is forecast to pass near the islands of the Caribbean late Thursday and Friday, bringing 2 to 4 inches of rain, with local totals up to 6 inches through Saturday. The rainfall is bringing the potential for flash flooding, especially in higher terrain.

— This time of year is peak hurricane season in the Atlantic. In recent weeks, Gabrielle, Humberto and Imelda have all reached hurricane strength — though none made landfall in the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to project an above-average season this year, with up to 18 named storms before it ends in November. A typical season has 14.

— National Weather Service updates like hurricane forecasts continue as usual during a U.S. government shutdown, because they are considered essential for public safety. But the weather service is already operating at reduced staffing after the Trump administration slashed the number of employees at many of the agencies traditionally responsible for planning for and responding to natural disasters.