Tropical Storm Bertha Path: Warnings Issued in the Caribbean Region

Tropical Storm Bertha approached the Caribbean on Friday as islands in the eastern region prepared for heavy rains and strong winds.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds increased slightly late Friday morning to 50 mph (85 kph), but no significant change in strength is expected in the next two days. Bertha was centered about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of Barbados and was moving west-northwest at 21 mph (33 kph).

Emergency management officials in Barbados canceled a tropical storm warning but warned people to stay out of the water, with waves of up to 10 feet (3 meters) expected around the island.

Tropical storm warnings were issued for St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the eastern Dominican Republic.

In St. Lucia, emergency management officials reported overcast skies with constant showers.

Antigua-based regional airline LIAT also canceled several flights in Dominica and St. Lucia.

Bertha is expected to generate up to 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain across the eastern and northern Caribbean, with isolated amounts of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in certain areas.