Tropical Storm Dolly was downgraded by the US National Hurricane Center to an 'open tropical wave' on Friday, though its remnants could still bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean over the weekend.
Key facts
- Dolly formed on Thursday and moved quickly across the Atlantic toward the Leeward Islands.
- The system had maximum sustained winds of near 40mph (65km/h) with higher gusts on Friday morning.
- Later on Friday, the NHC said Dolly had become an 'open tropical wave.'
- Remnants could bring heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
- Forecasters warned the system may produce flash flooding this weekend.
Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed on Thursday, was moving quickly across the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands and was expected to bring significant rainfall to parts of the Caribbean this weekend, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Friday morning, according to the Guardian.
As of Friday morning, Dolly had maximum sustained winds of near 40mph (65km/h) with higher gusts. The NHC forecast that the system would approach the Leeward Islands over the weekend and warned it may produce flash flooding.
Later on Friday, forecasters said that Dolly was no longer a tropical storm and had ‘become an open tropical wave,’ the Guardian reported. Despite the downgrade, the remnants of the system continued to move across the Atlantic toward the Leeward Islands.
Even in its weakened state, the remnants of Dolly could bring heavy rainfall to parts of the Caribbean this weekend. The NHC said the system could affect the Leeward Islands as well as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.
The rapid change in status underscores how tropical systems can shift over the course of a single day. While the downgrade reduces concerns about strong winds, forecasters continued to highlight the potential for significant rainfall across the affected islands.
Why it matters
Heavy rainfall from tropical systems can trigger flash flooding even when wind threats ease, putting island communities at risk. Tracking these fast-moving systems helps residents in the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and elsewhere prepare for potential impacts over the weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dolly still a tropical storm?
No. The NHC said later on Friday that Dolly was no longer a tropical storm and had become an 'open tropical wave,' according to the Guardian.
Which areas could be affected by Dolly's remnants?
The remnants could bring heavy rainfall to the Leeward Islands and affect the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola this weekend.
How strong was Dolly at its peak?
As of Friday morning, Dolly had maximum sustained winds of near 40mph (65km/h) with higher gusts.