... because Haiti doesn't already have enough to deal with

Tropical Storm Grace to hit Haiti

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the entire coast of Haiti in advance of Grace, which was located 55 miles south-southeast of St. Croix Sunday morning with sustained winds at 40 mph.

The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center has Grace traveling through the Greater Antilles, affecting the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Monday and Tuesday, with expected wind speeds at 40-50 mph.

The center of the storm may pass just north of where the earthquake struck Haiti, but there will still be impacts that can hamper aid and rescue efforts. Gusty winds and heavy rain are the main threats associated with this storm for Haiti.

A tropical storm warning for Grace has been issued for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and parts of the Dominican Republic, the NHC said Sunday morning. Parts of Haiti are also anticipated to face tropical storm conditions, and a watch has been issued there.

A tropical storm warning means storm conditions with winds from 39-74 mph are possible within 48 hours of being issued, and a warning means such conditions for affected areas are expected.

Grace is forecast to bring 3-6 inches of rain to Puerto Rico and portions of the Leeward Islands. Isolated totals of up to 8 inches are possible across Puerto Rico, which could lead to flash flooding and mudslides.

For Haiti and the Dominican Republic, widespread rainfall of 4-7 inches is forecast, with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches that could also lead to flash flooding and mudslides on Monday and Tuesday.

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