Eye on the Tropics

Tropical Storm Fiona makes first landfall, expected to strengthen in the Caribbean

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Fiona made its first landfall in the Caribbean Friday evening.

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According to the National Hurricane Center, tropical storm conditions have started to impact the Leeward Islands and will continue through Saturday morning.

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Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach Puerto Rico by late Saturday night.

Fiona is forecast to have winds of up to 65 mph as it passes over Puerto Rico. After that it is forecast to curve to the northwest taking it to the far southeast Bahamas.

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Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the northern Leeward Islands, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Tropical Storm watches and warnings are likely later for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

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Heavy rains from Fiona are expected to produce considerable flooding, including flash flooding and mudslides in areas with higher terrain.

Fiona is expected to gradually strengthen over the northeastern Caribbean sea and is expected to be near hurricane strength as it approaches the Dominican Republic Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

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