BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts – TROPICAL Storm Jerry has developed in the Atlantic Ocean and forecasters are predicting further development to hurricane status in the next few days as it moves across the Atlantic.
In its evening update, the National Hurricane Center noted that Jerry is moving toward the west-northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h) with its center located near latitude 15.2 North, longitude 51.2 West.
Jerry is packing maximum sustained winds near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts.
A west-northwest motion with a slightly faster forward speed is expected over the next few days, NHC said in its 8:00 p.m. statement yesterday (Sept. 18).
Based on the forecast track, the center of Tropical Storm Jerry would be near or north of the northern Leeward Islands by Friday (Sept. 20) and pass north of Puerto Rico on the following day.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km)
from the center.
Jerry is forecast to become a hurricane today, with little change in strength anticipated tomorrow or Saturday.
Meanwhile, several islands were placed under Tropical Storm Watch.
Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Saba, and St. Eustatius were all placed on the condition as the Jerry moves closer to the Caribbean chain of islands.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is urging citizens and residents to be prepared.
NHC said interests elsewhere in the northern Leeward Islands should monitor the progress of Jerry.
Further watches could be issued today.
