Two tropical storm systems were gusting and raining on eastern Caribbean islands and southern Mexico Sunday, UPI quoted U.S. meteorologists in Miami as reporting. Tropical Storm Irene had 50 mph winds at 8 a.m. as it advanced westward toward Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center reported. The system was expected to strengthen and a hurricane warning was posted for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic to the Haiti border. Tropical storm warnings and watches were also posted for many of the eastern Caribbean islands. "Irene is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of four to seven inches in the Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with isolated maximum amounts of up to 10 inches," forecasters said. Further south, Tropical Depression Harvey was moving inland on a westward track over southeastern Mexico with 35 mph winds. The storm was forecast to bring as much as 6 inches of rain before it dissipates Monday. "These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," the forecast said. None of the eight Atlantic tropical storms that reached name status with winds above 39 mph have grown to minimum hurricane status with winds exceeding 74 mph this year.
