Tropical storm could bring heavy rain to Caribbean

Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the central tropical Atlantic on Thursday morning and could bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

As of 11 a.m., Dolly was moving west at 24 mph (39 km/h), with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and higher gusts.

The centre of the storm was located near latitude 13.6 north and longitude 38.7 west. It is expected to continue moving west over the next couple of days and could approach the Leeward Islands this weekend.

Residents in the Leeward Islands have been advised to monitor the system’s progress.

Little change in strength is expected over the next 48 hours, with Dolly forecast to degenerate into a tropical wave before reaching the Leeward Islands.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the centre, while the estimated minimum central pressure is 1007 millibars.

Although Dolly is forecast to no longer be a tropical cyclone when it passes near the Leeward Islands, heavy rainfall could begin affecting the islands late Saturday into Sunday.

Rainfall could also affect the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola on Sunday and Monday, with the NHC warning of possible flash flooding, particularly in areas of higher terrain.

Dolly formed two days after the death of country music icon Dolly Parton. However, the storm’s name was already included on the predetermined list for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

(NHC)