CARIBBEAN — August 29, 2026 — Residents across the Leeward Islands are being urged to remain alert as the remains of Tropical Storm Dolly move west toward the eastern Caribbean.
Dolly has weakened from a tropical storm into a strong tropical wave. While this means the system no longer has the strength or structure of a tropical storm, it could still bring heavy rain, strong wind gusts, thunderstorms, and dangerous seas to parts of the region.
Dolly Weakens Before Reaching the Leeward Islands
Dolly was initially expected to move into the Leeward Islands this weekend, leading officials and residents to closely monitor its progress.
However, two conditions in the atmosphere—strong winds high above the storm and drier air—disrupted Dolly and caused it to weaken quickly.
The U.S. National Hurricane Centre (NHC) now identifies Dolly as a significant tropical wave rather than a tropical storm.
The system is expected to move toward the waters east of the Leeward Islands on Saturday. Although Dolly is not expected to regain tropical-storm strength as it approaches the islands, it could still produce gale-force winds and extremely rough seas.
Heavy Rain Is Now the Main Concern
With Dolly becoming weaker, heavy rainfall is now a bigger concern than strong, continuous tropical-storm winds.
The NHC said rainfall associated with Dolly’s remains could begin affecting the Leeward Islands from Saturday night into Sunday.
Periods of heavy rain could cause flash flooding, especially in hilly and mountainous areas. Flash floods can happen quickly, giving people little time to move to safer locations.
The weather system could also affect the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with conditions potentially extending toward Hispaniola by Sunday and Monday.
Residents Urged to Remain Alert
Even though Dolly is no longer expected to remain a tropical storm, residents should not ignore the system.
Heavy thunderstorms could still produce sudden flooding, strong wind gusts, and rough seas.
Residents are encouraged to:
Continue monitoring official weather updates.
Avoid driving or walking through flooded roads.
Stay away from rivers, ghauts, and other areas prone to flooding.
Secure loose objects around homes and businesses.
Exercise extreme caution near the coast and on the water.
Follow instructions from local emergency management authorities.
The NHC does not expect Dolly to retain tropical-storm strength as it approaches the islands. However, rough seas and strong, gusty winds associated with thunderstorms remain possible.
Stay Alert, Even as the Storm Weakens
The weakening of Dolly is encouraging news, but residents should remember that a weaker weather system can still produce dangerous rainfall and flooding.
The focus now is on staying informed, preparing for heavy rain, and taking precautions as Dolly’s remnants move through the region.
