Schools close as tropical disturbance nears Caribbean

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The government of Trinidad & Tobago closed schools on Tuesday as forecasters warned that a tropical disturbance would bring heavy rains and gusty winds to the southeastern Caribbean.

The approaching storm also prompted Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines to cancel at least four flights.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Trinidad & Tobago as well as Grenada and its dependencies, with forecasters warning that up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain could fall there and in northeastern Venezuela. A tropical storm warning was issued for Venezuela’s Islas de Margarita, Coche and Cubagua as well as the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the system expected to grow into Tropical Storm Bonnie would pass over or near the southern Windward Islands on Tuesday night.