MIAMI, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Two systems merged to form Tropical Storm Chris over the northeastern Caribbean Sea early Tuesday, prompting tropical storm warnings for various islands.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said at 5 a.m., Chris had sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts about 175 miles east of Antigua. The system was moving west-northwest about 9 mph, and strengthening was expected. Winds extended 35 miles outward from the center, forecasters said.
Numerous islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis posted tropical storm warnings, which indicate storm conditions, including heavy seas and rain are expected by Wednesday.
A tropical storm watch was called for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, meaning stormy conditions are possible within 36 hours.
Forecasters have predicted 17 named tropical storms will form in this year's Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
