WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine formed on Tuesday and is expected to cause heavy rains and flash floods in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Tropical storm conditions are likely in parts of the islands Wednesday through Thursday.
SPECIAL SECTION: Hurricane Guide
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
- Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra
- US Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla
- Guadalupe, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Bartholomew
- Saba and Saint Eustace
- San Martin
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic from Cabo Caucedo northward along the north coast to the Dominican Republic / Haiti border
The National Hurricane Center said the system’s long-range route and forecast intensity are more uncertain than usual because it does not have a well-defined center.
However, forecasters said the system could bring some rain and winds to parts of the Bahamas and Florida by the end of the week.
“A lot of uncertainty about whether it will affect our climate with the mountains (in Hispaniola) ahead and the lack of consensus on computer models later this week. But it is definitely a storm for Florida to monitor,” said chief meteorologist first alert Steve Weagle.
As of Tuesday night, the system has maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and moves west-northwest at 23 mph.
If the system turns into a tropical storm, the name would be Isaias.
.
