Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic brace for Tropical Storm Fiona: Latest forecast

Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are bracing for Tropical Storm Fiona, which is set to bring heavy rain and possible flash flooding and mudslides this weekend.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, while a tropical storm watch was issued for the Dominican Republic.

The National Hurricane Center is calling for up to 1 foot of rain in Puerto Rico this weekend. Widespread power outages are possible across the island.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin across the northern Leeward Islands Friday afternoon.

Fiona is expected to strengthen slightly and could be a strong tropical storm as it moves just south of Puerto Rico on Saturday and Sunday with winds of 65 mph. (A category 1 hurricane begins at 74 mph).

As Fiona approaches the Dominican Republic on Sunday, it could be close to hurricane strength with winds near 70 mph.

Up to 16 inches of rain and flash flooding is forecast for the Dominican Republic Sunday and Monday.

Up to 15 inches of rain could hit the island of Hispaniola and flash flooding and mudslides are possible.

If Fiona survives the tall mountains of Hispaniola, it will reemerge in the Atlantic Ocean and could strengthen even further to a Category 1 hurricane near Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.

It is too early to tell if Fiona will have any impact on the mainland United States.