Tropical Storm Jerry Moves North After Drenching Antigua and Barbuda

Tropical Storm Jerry has begun moving northward over the western Atlantic after lashing Antigua and Barbuda and other Leeward Islands with torrential rain and strong winds overnight.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, at 5:00 a.m. (AST), Jerry was located near latitude 24.5° North and longitude 63.4° West, about 435 miles north of the Leeward Islands and 545 miles south of Bermuda. The system is moving north at around 16 mph (26 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h).

Forecasters expect Jerry to maintain its northward track through the weekend before turning toward the east on Monday, with gradual weakening predicted over the next few days.

Although there are no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect, the NHC cautioned that large swells generated by the storm continue to affect the Leeward and Windward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. These swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents, with conditions expected to spread to the Bahamas later today.

In Antigua and Barbuda, Jerry delivered a significant deluge, with more than nine inches of rain recorded in some areas, much of it falling within just three hours. The heavy rainfall caused flash flooding and minor landslides in parts of the islands but no major damage was immediately reported.

Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas, and continue monitoring updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS).

Jerry, which caused widespread concern across the northeastern Caribbean, is expected to move away from the region as it continues north into open waters.