Puerto Rico was under a tropical storm watch.
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands — Tropical Storm Rafael lashed the eastern Caribbean Saturday with heavy rains that are expected to unleash floods on islands around the region.
The storm was located about 105 miles east-southeast of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands late Saturday afternoon. It had top sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving north at 12 mph.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm will gain some strength and will pass near or over the Virgin Islands Saturday night.
As a result of the storm, Cape Air and regional carrier LIAT canceled flights Saturday scheduled to leave from Puerto Rico's main international airport. The Carnival Victory cruise ship also canceled a stop in St. Maarten on Saturday.
Flooding was reported in the eastern Caribbean island of Trinidad, where the storm caused a brief power outage at the island's main international airport late Friday. At least one flight was canceled.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Montserrat, St. Maartin and Guadeloupe.
Puerto Rico was under a tropical storm watch.
Meanwhile, tropical depression Patty disintegrated east-northeast of the central Bahamas.