Tropical Storm Richard forms in the Caribbean

MIAMI, FL Richard's maximum sustained winds Thursday are near 40 mph (65 kph). Additional strengthening is forecast and Richard could become a hurricane over the weekend.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the tropical storm could dump 4 to 8 inches of rain on Jamaica with possible isolated amounts of 12 inches. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

Richard is located about 220 miles (355 kilometers) south-southeast of Grand Cayman and is moving southeast near 6 mph (9 kph).