Tropical Storm Dolly continues to move rapidly westward and is expected to approach the Leeward Islands this weekend, although forecasters predict it will weaken into a tropical wave before reaching the region.

At 5 a.m. Friday, Dolly was about 1,145 miles east of the Leeward Islands, moving west at 24 mph.

Maximum sustained winds remained near 40 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 115 miles north of the centre.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, but residents across the Leeward Islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, are being urged to monitor Dolly’s progress.

Heavy rain could begin affecting the islands late Saturday into Sunday, potentially causing flash flooding in areas of higher terrain.

Rainfall associated with Dolly is expected to spread into the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola Sunday and Monday.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Dolly Nearing Leeward Islands as Heavy Rain Raises Flash-Flood Risk.