MIAMI, United States (AFP) — As Hurricane Irma bore down on the Caribbean, a new tropical storm emerged in the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said.
Tropical Storm Jose had formed in the open Atlantic to the east of Hurricane Irma, which has developed into a powerful Category Five storm, the Miami-based NHC said.
The NHC did not issue any coastal watches or warnings for Jose, which is currently located some 1,505 miles (2,420 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles.
It said Jose was moving west-northwest at 13 miles per hour (20 kilometers per hour) with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (65 kilometers per hour).
The NHC said Jose was expected to strengthen during the next 48 hours and could become a hurricane by Friday.
Irma’s approach has sparked alarm and flooding alerts as it barrels towards the Caribbean.
The monster hurricane coming on the heels of Harvey, which struck Texas late last month, is expected to make landfall along the string of French islands including Guadeloupe late Tuesday before heading to Haiti and Florida.
© Agence France-Presse
