Tropical Storm Fiona forms in Atlantic, expected to move toward Caribbean
Tropical storm conditions were possible for the Leeward Islands on Friday
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tropical Storm Fiona formed in the Atlantic late Wednesday.
The National Weather Service said tropical storm conditions were possible by Friday night over portions of the northern Leeward Islands.
A tropical storm watch has been issued in the area.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Heavy rainfall from Fiona will reach the Leewards Islands on Friday afternoon.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION SEVEN FORMS IN ATLANTIC OCEAN, COULD STRENGTHEN INTO A TROPICAL STORM
On Saturday and into Sunday morning, rain will spread to the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and eastern Hispaniola.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tropical Storm Fiona seen in an aerial shot (NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center)
Rain could produce flash and urban flooding, as well as isolated mudslides in areas of higher terrain.
Tropical storm watches will likely be issued for some of those areas later Thursday.
Fiona is the season's sixth named storm.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tropical Storm Fiona's predicted path (NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center)
TROPICAL STORM KAY WEAKENS AND VEERS AWAY FROM US-MEXICO BORDER
It was located about 580 miles east of the Leeward Islands and moving at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of about 50 mph, according to forecasters.
Little change in strength is forecast during the next few days.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The forecast track for Tropical Storm Fiona (Credit: Fox News)
Total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected with isolated higher amounts across the northern Leeward Islands.
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Swells from Tropical Storm Fiona, which could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, are predicted to affect the northern Leeward Islands by early Friday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.