Tropical Storm Dolly Forms in the Atlantic, Leeward Islands on Watch

Tropical Storm Dolly has formed over the central tropical Atlantic, prompting interests in the Leeward Islands to monitor the system’s progress.

As of 11:00am AST, Dolly’s center was located about 1,555 miles east of the Leeward Islands, moving west near 24 mph. Forecasters expect that motion to continue over the next couple of days, with the storm nearing the Leeward Islands by this weekend.

Maximum sustained winds are currently near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Little strengthening is expected over the next 48 hours, and forecasters actually anticipate Dolly will weaken into a tropical wave before reaching the Leeward Islands.

Despite the expected weakening, heavy rain remains a concern. Forecasters say rainfall from the system could begin affecting the Leeward Islands late Saturday into Sunday, followed by the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola on Sunday and Monday. That rain could lead to flash flooding, particularly in areas of higher terrain.