Tropical Storm Laura approaching the Leeward Islands

Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, BVI and Montserrat are among islands in the north-eastern Caribbean under a Tropical Storm Warning.

Weather forecasters on Friday afternoon said Tropical Storm Laura was about 175 miles (280 KM) East South East of the northern Leeward Islands and was moving towards the West at 18 miles per hour.  It was packing winds of up to 45 miles per hour and forecasters expect it to move near to, or over the Leeward Islands by late Friday, and on to Puerto Rico by Saturday morning.

In response the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced the closure of the main V. C. Bird International Airport from 2:30 Friday afternoon.  St. Kitts and Nevis announced the closure of all government offices from 1:00 pm.