Storm warning for Caribbean islands

on 13/10/2012 10:15:33

Tropical Storm Rafael has formed over the eastern Caribbean Sea, and warnings have been issued for numerous Caribbean islands.

The National Hurricane Centre in Miami said the storm is 220 miles south-southeast of St Croix, with top sustained winds of 40mph. It is moving north-northwest at 12mph.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the US and British Virgin Islands and islands including Anguilla, Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, St Maartin, Martinique and St Lucia.

Puerto Rico is under a tropical storm watch.

The storm's centre will move through the eastern Caribbean and then move near or over the Virgin Islands by Saturday night local time. Rafael is expected to bring 3in to 5in of rain to parts, and slow strengthening is possible.