Hurricane Gonzalo forms in eastern Caribbean; warnings, watches for several islands
Digital Reporter
Monday, October 13, 2014, 5:11 PM - Forecasters say Hurricane Gonzalo has formed in the eastern Caribbean and its winds are buffeting the island of Antigua, downing trees, knocking out power and tearing roofs from homes.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, said Monday afternoon that Gonzalo is packing sustained winds of 120 kph. Some strengthening is likely.
The storm gained strength as it passed through the Leeward Islands on a track toward the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and to the east of Puerto Rico, now as a hurricane.
As of 5 p.m. EDT, the centre of Gonzalo was about 20 30 kilometres southeast of St. Martin and 230 kilometres east-southeast of St. Thomas. It is moving toward the northwest at 19 kph.
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Gonzalo is expected to produce up to 200 mm of rain across the Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra and Puerto Rico -- areas where a hurricane watch is in effect.
Last weekend, Tropical Storm Fay knocked out power to thousands in Bermuda before moving out over open ocean.
Grey skies herald the approach of TS Gonzalo today.
Keep safe Anguilla.
pic.twitter.com/pgijSWlTmv
— Christina Scott (@HMGovAnguilla) October 13, 2014
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With files from The Associated Press
