Tropical Storm Erika targets Caribbean; Florida & Bahamas also on alert

A rapidly-moving Tropical Storm Erika (currently located east of the Caribbean) is forecast to take a path across several Caribbean islands over the coming days. The Bahamas and Florida have also been put on alert.

Warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico, the Leeward Islands, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, with a tropical storm watch in effect for several other nations in the area.

Forecasters predict that the storm, currently moving at 16 mph with sustained wind speeds of 45 mph, could further strengthen over the coming days as it moves west to west-northwest.

Authorities in some areas have called for closure of schools, businesses, and government offices in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rainfall. They also said that power and water services could be temporarily suspended as the storm approaches.

Updates on current position, warnings and forecast can be obtained here.