CNN
–
Tropical Storm Fiona formed in the Atlantic Ocean, and became Sixth storm named The National Hurricane Center said the Atlantic hurricane season is 2022.
The storm, packing 60 mph winds with higher gusts, was about 495 miles east of the Leeward Islands late Thursday morning.
Tropical storm conditions (winds 39 mph or higher) extending 140 miles from the storm’s center have prompted many governments across the northern Leeward Islands to issue tropical storm warnings.
A tropical storm watch has been released for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra, according to the National Hurricane Center.
An hour means a tropical storm is likely to occur within the next 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Warnings now cover Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Saba and Saint EustatiusAnd the Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin.
A tropical storm warning means that a tropical storm is expected somewhere in the warning area within 36 hours.
“The Fiona Center is expected to move through the Leeward Islands Friday night and early Saturday, and to move near the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico late Saturday through Sunday,” the Hurricane Center wrote.
Storm strength may fluctuate over the weekend, but it is not expected to increase significantly in strength.
The primary effect of Fiona will be heavy rain from the Leeward Islands to Puerto Rico. Urban flash floods and mudslides in higher terrain will be possible due to 4 to 6 inches of precipitation, with isolated amounts of more than 10 inches, according to the center.
The National Hurricane Center warns that “significant flooding effects are possible across eastern parts of Puerto Rico.”
By early next week, the system is expected to be near Hispaniola, where it will be weakened by interaction with the island’s mountainous terrain.
“Infuriatingly humble analyst. Bacon maven. Proud food specialist. Certified reader. Avid writer. Zombie advocate. Incurable problem solver.”