Tropical Depression Karen Approaching Puerto Rico And Virgin Islands
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Tropical Depression Karen is approaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with heavy rain and gusty winds expected in those areas on Tuesday.
At 10:50 p.m., the center of the system was about 100 miles south of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was moving to the northwest at 10 mph with 35 mph winds.
A turn toward the north is expected by early Tuesday, and a northward to north-northeastward motion should continue through Wednesday night.
On the forecast track, the center of Karen will pass near or over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Tuesday, and then move over the western Atlantic Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Slow strengthening is forecast during the next few days.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS
Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra
- British Virgin Islands
Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area and are possible within the watch area beginning Tuesday.
Karen is expected to produce the following rainfall accumulations through Wednesday:
- Northern Windward Islands - Additional 1 to 2 inches, isolated storm totals 3 inches.
- Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands - 2 to 4 inches, isolated 8 inches.
- Leeward Islands - 1 to 3 inches, isolated 5 inches.
These rains may cause flash flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas.
Tropical storm force winds, especially in gusts, are expected in the warning area by late Monday night. Winds could be higher on the windward sides of hills and mountains.