Tropical Storm Dolly downgraded to open wave as it approaches Caribbean

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Friday that the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly are advancing across the Atlantic as an open tropical wave, with the system expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean over the weekend. Formed on Thursday, Dolly reached maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts before being downgraded later Friday when it lost its closed circulation and was reclassified as an open wave.

Meteorologists warned that the lingering moisture associated with the former storm could affect the Leeward Islands and extend to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, potentially producing significant precipitation and localized flooding. Residents in the projected path are advised to monitor local forecasts and heed any advisories issued by authorities as the system moves toward the region.