Tropical storm warnings in effect for eastern Caribbean islands

A number of nations in the eastern Caribbean have issued tropical storm warnings as a disturbance in the Atlantic ocean moves closer to the region.

St Lucia, Barbados, Martinque and St Vincent and the Grenadines have all put warnings in place as they brace themselves for the storm, which is currently around 450 miles east of the Leeward Antilles.

Dominica has issued a potential tropical storm watch.

According to the St Lucia Meteorological Service, the potential tropical cyclone – the season’s ninth – is travelling west at 17mph (28kmph) and the effects should be felt this evening and tomorrow morning.

Two to four inches of rainfall is expected over the island, although this could be higher in some areas.

Barbados is expecting between three to five inches.

The meteorological service in Dominica is reporting even higher sustained winds, reaching 35mph (55kmph).

“Persons in areas prone to flooding, landslides and falling rocks are advised to be extremely vigilant and to exercise caution as flash flooding and winds gusting to tropical storm force are possible tonight into Friday,” said Dominica Meteorological Service.

Nothing has been issued for St Kitts and Nevis at present.