TS Bret Barrels Towards Eastern Caribbean

THE CARIBBEAN – Tropical Storm Bret barrels towards the eastern Caribbean at near-hurricane strength. A hurricane watch has been issued for St. Lucia.

The storm was located about 200 miles east of Barbados Thursday morning and was moving west at 15 mph with maximum sustained winds near 70mph.

Miami’s National Hurricane Center is expecting the storm to start affecting eastern Caribbean later in the day.

This, as airports, businesses, schools and offices close in in St. Lucia and Dominica.

Forecasters are warning of torrential downpours, landslides and flooding.