Tracking Organized, Strong Fast-Moving Tropical Wave in Caribbean

A strong tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea, centered about 275 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, continues to move quickly westward at about 20 mph. Thunderstorm activity associated with the wave remains organized, but the system still appears to lack a closed surface circulation.

Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development, and a tropical storm is likely to form later today or tonight. A U.S Air Force Reserve Reconnaissance aircraft is currently en route to investigate this system.

Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds, perhaps to tropical storm force, will continue over portions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti through this evening. Tropical storm conditions are likely to occur over Jamaica by this evening, and could reach the Cayman Islands overnight. Interests in these areas and elsewhere in the western Caribbean Sea should continue to monitor the progress of this disturbance.

Images: NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center