Tropical storm Ian forms in the Caribbean, targets Cuba and Florida

Tropical Storm Ian formed on Friday in the waters of the Caribbean, north of the Leeward Islands.

Forecasters forecast it to hit Jamaica on Sunday before moving on to the Cayman Islands, where it will hit as a hurricane on Monday, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

The NHC issued a tropical storm warning for Jamaica and a hurricane warning for the Cayman Islands, where tropical storm conditions are expected from Sunday.

Meteorologists warned in your Friday bulletin at 11 pm that heavy rains are expected to produce inundations and landslides, especially in Jamaica and Cuba, due to the passage of Ian.

Tropical Depression Nine was expected to be called Hermine on Friday when it strengthened into a tropical storm, but another system in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa got the name earlier.

Ian is due to cross western Cuba early next week before heading to the Florida panhandle as a major force hurricane that could bring storm surges and heavy rains and winds, according to NHC forecasts.

Rain is forecast in the Leeward Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao that could cause flooding and landslides.

The NHC recommended on Friday that residents of Cuba, the Florida Keys and the rest of the peninsula closely monitor information about the storm and have contingency plans in place.

Ian is the ninth tropical storm of the current cyclonic season and would be the fourth hurricane this season in the Atlantic. Last week, Hurricane Fiona hit several Caribbean islands, leaving several dead, including at least 12 in Puerto Rico, where thousands of people they still remain without electricity.

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