A tropical storm warning is now in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands as a potential tropical cyclone approaches the territory.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions — rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds — are expected within the warning area within 36 hours. The warning was called at 11 p.m. Monday.
Forecasters estimated the storm will be 42 miles south-southwest of St. Croix at 4 p.m. Tuesday at which time it should be a tropical storm with sustained winds of 45 to 55 miles per hour. St. Croix could see winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 40 miles per hour beginning at mid-afternoon Tuesday. Rainfall estimates associated with the system ranges between two to four inches. A flash-flood watch is in effect for the Virgin Islands until Wednesday night.
