Several Caribbean countries are tonight bracing for the passage of Tropical Storm Fiona.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, as well as Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, St. Barthelemy and St. Martin.
Tropical storm conditions were expected in the warning area this weekend.
The storm could bring heavy rain this weekend there and other northern Caribbean islands.
Puerto Rico in particular is subject to flooding, landslides and power outages when a storm hits. All could come into play for anyone living or visiting the island.
Ahead of the storm, the National Weather Service warned of a high risk of rip currents on area beaches Friday night.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to inbound commercial vessel traffic.
The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a weather alert advising visitors and residents there and in the Turks and Caicos to take basic precautions including checking supplies of food and water. Tourists in particular were told to be sure that family or friends know their plans for the storm, and to talk to staff where they are staying about the facility's emergency plan.
Dominica and parts of the Dominican Republic are under tropical storm watches, meaning that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
The storm is expected to become a hurricane next week in the Atlantic Ocean.
Fiona's future track is still uncertain, but now is a good time for anyone along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts to ensure they're ready for a storm.