Third named storm of Atlantic hurricane season forms

The third named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season has formed, prompting tropical storm warnings for several areas in the Caribbean.

On Monday afternoon, Tropical Storm Chantal has reached maximum sustained winds of 75 km per hour with higher gusts, the National Hurricane Center in the United States reported.

A tropical storm warning (conditions expected within 24 to 36 hours) was in effect for Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. A tropical storm watch (conditions expected within 48 hours) was in effect for Saint Vincent and Puerto Rico.

The NHC also said interests in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba should also monitor the storm’s progress.

“A storm surge will raise water levels by as much as one to three feet above normal tide levels in the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and Puerto Rico,” the NHC’s advisory on Monday afternoon said. “Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by dangerous waves.”

The storm is also expected to produce two to four inches of rain over the Leeward and Windward Islands, with up to six inches possible, the NHC said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above normal number of storms for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs to the end of November.