Forecasters say that Tropical Storm Richard is meandering in the Caribbean but still could become a hurricane over the weekend.
Richard’s maximum sustained winds Thursday are near 40 mph (65 kph). Additional strengthening is forecast for the 17th named storm of the Atlantic season.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the tropical storm could dump rains on Honduras on Friday and could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Honduras from the border with Nicaragua west to Limon.
Richard is located about 240 miles (385 kilometers) south-southeast of Grand Cayman and is moving slowly to the west.