Tropical Storm Jerry, the tenth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed earlier today.
It was updated from a Tropical Depression and at 5 a.m., and was located near 14.1N, 47.7W or about 797 miles (1282 km) east of Barbados.
The system continues to move towards the west-northwest near 13mph (20km/h). The estimated minimum central pressure was 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45mph, 75km/h with higher gusts, and further strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days.
On its present track, Barbados is not expected to be directly impacted. It is forecast to pass to the north of the northern Leeward Islands by Thursday night into early Friday.
However, residents in Barbados and the Lesser Antilles are being urged to closely monitor the progress of this system. (PR)