Tropical Storm Isaac is moving through the Leeward Islands this morning (Thursday), with gusty winds and areas of heavy rain. The storm has picked up speed and will move away from the islands quickly throughout the day. Isaac is moving west at around 20 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.

Isaac has been encountering strong upper level wind shear, which will lead to further weakening over the next several days. The cyclone is forecast to move into the eastern Caribbean Sea into Friday, and then head across the eastern and central Caribbean Sea through Saturday.

[Composite radar from Thursday morning. From Barbados Meteorological Services]

Along with tropical storm force winds, Isaac will produce very heavy rainfall. Total rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches with isolated amounts up 8 inches will fall across Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. In Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 1 to 2 inches of rain with isolated amounts to 4 inches is possible. Up to an inch is anticipated across the remaining Windward and Leeward Islands. This rainfall may cause life-threatening flash flooding.

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels