Tropical Storm Dolly has been downgraded to an open tropical wave and is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean this weekend, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed on Thursday with maximum sustained winds of near 40mph (65km/h), were moving across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands. Forecasters said on Friday that Dolly was no longer a tropical storm and had become an open tropical wave. The storm had been downgraded following a decline in intensity, as its structure weakened and it transitioned into a less organized system. This change occurred as the system continued its movement toward the Caribbean region.
The US National Hurricane Center warned that heavy rains from the remnants of Dolly could affect the Leeward Islands late on Saturday into Sunday, with possible impacts in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola on Sunday and Monday. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect. The storm’s name has drawn unusual attention online, with observers noting that it formed just days after the death of the country music star Dolly Parton in the US earlier this week. However, the name is a coincidence and has no connection to Parton’s death. Tropical storms are assigned names from predetermined alphabetical lists managed by the World Meteorological Organization.
Why it matters
Heavy rainfall from storm remnants may disrupt travel and infrastructure in the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for rainfall intensity changes in Leeward Islands as storm remnants progress.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.