Tropical Storm Jerry strengthens

The 5 p.m. position of Tropical Storm Jerry. (National Hurricane Center)
The 5 p.m. position of Tropical Storm Jerry. (National Hurricane Center)

(Barbados Nation) Tropical Storm Jerry gained strength to the east of the Leeward Islands, with the maximum sustained winds now near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts.

At 5 p.m. Jerry was located near 15.0N, 50.0W or about 617 miles (993 km) east northeast of Barbados.

The system continues to move towards the west-northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h), with estimated minimum central pressure of 1000 MB (29.53 inches).

Further strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days.

On the present track, no direct impacts from Jerry are expected in Barbados. The system is forecast to pass to the north of the northern Leeward Islands by tonight into early Friday. 

However, residents in Barbados and the Lesser Antilles should continue to closely monitor the progress of this system.