Tropical Storm Grace forms on Saturday, could bring heavy rain over Leeward Islands

The National Hurricane Center said Friday that tropical depression seven has formed in the Atlantic. The system became Tropical Storm Grace on Saturday as it moved through the Caribbean.

The system, which is currently moving at 22 miles per hour, is around 400 miles east of the Leeward Islands with sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

The 5 a.m. update from the NHC said that tropical storm conditions from the system are expected in portions of the Leeward Islands on late Saturday or early Sunday. Then, tropical storm conditions are possible over portions of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Sunday. Flooding is possible.

The system is expected to produce 3 to 6 inches of rain over the northern Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands.

Parts of Florida are currently in the forecast track for the system.

The system is initially like to follow in the footsteps of Fred, according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell, but as the system gets toward the end of its track, it could turn more north.

“Down the road, we will be watching this one very closely,” said Campbell.