ISTANBUL 

Tropical Storm Jerry is generating dangerous life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the Caribbean while pulling away from the northern Leeward Islands, the US’ National Hurricane Center warned Friday.

"Swells generated by Jerry are affecting the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the center in Miami, Florida said in a statement.

The swells are expected to spread across the rest of the Greater Antilles over the next two nights.

Heavy rainfall is impacting portions of the Leeward Islands, British and US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, "which could result in flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and in steep terrain," the center warned.

Through Friday, 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) of rain are expected across Barbuda, while 5-10 cm (2-4 in) are forecast elsewhere across the Leeward and Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico may receive up to 5-10 cm, with 15 cm of rain possible in some areas, according to the statement.

By 1500GMT, Jerry's center was located about 225 kilometers (140 miles) north of the northern Leeward Islands and 1,350 km (840 mi) south of Bermuda, the center said.

It said maximum sustained winds remain near 85 kph (53 mph) with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 295 km (183 mi) east of the center. The agency noted little change in strength is expected over the next few days as Jerry moves northwest at 26 kph (16.2 mph).