Danny, First Hurricane of the Season

What was Tropical Storm Danny reached hurricane status on Thursday, the first of the 2015 season in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reports that Danny has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and is moving west – northwest at a speed of 10 mph.

The storm, heading on a projected track in the direction of Puerto Rico, should reach the Leeward Islands (Eastern Caribbean) by Monday, if it maintains its current course.

The NHC currently predicts that Danny will drop back to Tropical Storm intensity by Sunday and that its center could reach Puerto Rico by next Tuesday.

Cuban weather expert Jose Rubiera noted that the relatively tiny hurricane does not have a large extension.

At this point, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect but the NHC is advising the Leeward Island nations to pay close attention to the progress of the storm.

Any possible effect on Cuba will become more evident in the coming days.

With many parts of the island facing draught, especially eastern Cuba, any rains associated with the storm could bring some much needed relief.