On Thursday, Tropical Storm Dolly took shape in the central Atlantic, rapidly advancing westward. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has urged residents of the Lesser Antilles to stay vigilant regarding its development.
The NHC's initial advisory on Dolly, issued at 11:00 a.m., pinpointed the storm's center at approximately latitude 13.6 north and longitude 38.7 west, roughly 1,555 miles (2,505 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles.
Dolly is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and is moving west at about 24 mph (39 km/h). The estimated minimum central pressure is 1,007 millibars.
As of now, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Nevertheless, the NHC has specifically advised that interests in the Lesser Antilles should keep track of the storm's progress.
The storm is expected to continue its westward path over the next couple of days. According to the projected track, Dolly might approach the Lesser Antilles over the weekend.
No significant intensification is forecasted. The NHC anticipates minimal changes in strength over the next 48 hours and predicts that Dolly will weaken into a tropical wave before reaching the Lesser Antilles.
Winds with tropical storm strength extend up to about 60 miles (95 kilometers) from the center.
Even if Dolly loses its structure before reaching the islands, its effects could still be felt across the Caribbean. The NHC has warned that heavy rains linked to Dolly might begin impacting the Lesser Antilles from late Saturday into Sunday.
These downpours could later spread to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola from Sunday through Monday, with the potential for flash flooding, especially in higher elevation areas.
The meteorological agency will release its next full advisory on Dolly at 5:00 p.m. AST.
Dolly's formation occurred just hours after the system reached a 90% likelihood of developing into a tropical cyclone.
The NHC had predicted that if the system continued to organize, it could transform into a short-lived tropical storm by Thursday.
Tropical Storm Dolly: Key Questions Answered
What is the current status of Tropical Storm Dolly?
Tropical Storm Dolly has formed in the central Atlantic with sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving westward.
Are there any warnings or watches in effect for Dolly?
Currently, there are no coastal watches or warnings; however, the NHC advises the Lesser Antilles to monitor the storm's progress.
What are the potential impacts of Dolly on the Caribbean?
Heavy rains from Dolly could affect the Lesser Antilles and later the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, with a risk of flash flooding in higher areas.