Tropical Storm Jerry May Strengthen Into Hurricane Soon

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands — Tropical Storm Jerry is battling wind shear as it approaches the Leeward Islands. While it poses no danger to the mainland United States, forecasters predict it could strengthen into a hurricane by the end of the weekend.

The storm, which became the tenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on Tuesday, is currently moving west-northwest at 20 mph and has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Jerry is expected to follow a northwest path before curling northward later this week.

Tropical storm watches are in effect for several islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Residents in these areas could experience tropical storm force winds and up to 6 inches of rain beginning tonight and continuing into Friday, potentially causing local flash flooding.

“We expect some wind and rain starting late Thursday and continuing into Friday,” said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert. He added that swells generated by Jerry will reach the Leeward and Windward Islands, leading to surf and rip current hazards.

The storm’s pace has been notable, with Jerry forming over two weeks later than the average for the tenth storm of the season. The NHC is also monitoring another storm near the Azores, although its chances of development are currently low. Jerry is expected to turn sharply eastward by Monday and will likely pass well east of Bermuda.

As of Thursday morning, Jerry was located 395 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, and it remains uncertain how strong it could become before making landfall over the islands.