Tropical Storm Richard

Tropical Storm Richard, Richard tropical storm has formed in the Caribbean, becoming the named storm of the seventeenth season of hurricanes in the Atlantic.

Richard maximum sustained winds Thursday are about 40 mph (65 kph). Additional strengthening is expected and Richard could become a hurricane over the weekend.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the tropical storm could produce 4 to 8 inches of rain in Jamaica, with possible isolated amounts of 12 inches. These rains could trigger dangerous floods and mudslides.

Richard is about 220 miles (355 kilometers) south-southeast of Grand Cayman and moving southeast near 6 mph (9 km / h).

This is an update NEWS. Check back soon for more information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) – Forecasters say a tropical depression formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, could become a tropical storm during the day.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the depression’s maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph early Thursday (55 kph).

Depression is the 19 of the Atlantic season and are expected to discharge 5 to 10 inches or more of rain on Jamaica.

The depression was located about 160 miles (260 kilometers) south-southeast of Grand Cayman and moving southeast near 3 mph (6 kph).