This browser does not support the Video element.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Forecasters say Karen has been downgraded from a tropical storm to a depression as it churns toward Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
But the U.S. National Hurricane Center says that regardless of Karen's status or storm intensity, the system is expected to threaten those islands with heavy rains and possible flash flooding and mudslides as it draws near them Tuesday.
"Now a tropical depression, Karen is expected to remain a depression for a few days as it travels north from the Caribbean and into the Atlantic," said FOX 35 Chief Meteorologist Glenn Richards. "It is a system to watch this week, with many scenarios -- from degeneration to an open wave to re-strengthening into tropical storm and stalling into next week."
Forecasters at the Miami center also say the rain and potential flooding from the disorganized storm system will likely continue Wednesday even after the center of Karen moves away from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Jerry is heading closer to Bermuda. It's expected to be near that island beginning late Tuesday. At 8 p.m. Monday, the core of Jerry was about 310 miles (500 kilometers) southwest of Bermuda. Jerry has top sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and it's moving to the north-northwest at 6 mph (9 kph).
Meanwhile, in the far eastern Atlantic, newly formed Tropical Storm Lorenzo has begun strengthening south of the Cabo Verde Islands. That storm has top winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and those on the Cabo Verde Islands are asked to monitor the progress of the storm, which is moving west at 16 mph (26 kph). The hurricane center says Lorenzo formed hours earlier Monday. A motion toward the west-northwest will begin Monday night and continue through the middle of the week.
TRACK THE TROPICS: For the latest on the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, visit ORLANDOHURRICANE.com.
To stay on top of the tropics, as well as the weather in Central Florida, download the Fox 35 weather app.