Tropical Storm Erika brings heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico after 4 killed in Dominica.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Tropical Storm Erika soaked portions of the Leeward Islands as it moves west at 17 mph.
With maximum sustained winds near 50 mph, Erika is about 155 miles east, southeast of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The storm is expected to move near the Dominican Republic later Friday.
Erika is predicted to produce rainfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches with the maximum reaching 12 inches through Saturday in some areas, the storm center said.
The rainfall could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Southeastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Island.
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A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Central Bahamas.
The NHC advised people in the Dominican Republic to monitor Erika’s progress.
The center said the storm is expected to make a turn toward the west-northwest later Friday.
Erika follows Tropical Storm Danny, which several days ago traveled into the Leeward Islands.
Agencies/Canadajournal