A travel alert was issued yesterday for a string of Caribbean islands in the path of a major storm.
Dozens of flights are reported to have been cancelled in the region, and the US coast guard closed all ports in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Tropical Storm Erika is forecast to bring torrential rain, flash flooding, mudslides and gusty winds to many of the northern islands of the Caribbean.
It is then predicted to taking a turn toward the Bahamas and Florida at the weekend.
Four people are reported to have been killed in Dominica due to mudslides as the storm brought torrential rain and flooding, according to the Associated Press. At least 20 homes have been destroyed.
The main airport was on the island closed due to flooding, with water rushing over cars and at least one small aircraft.
The strongest winds with Erika are expected to be between 40mph and 60mph.
AccuWeather hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski said: “This is a good time for residents of the Bahamas and Florida to review hurricane plans.
“If Erika does indeed target Florida, there will be a big rush to complete preparations this weekend. However, it takes time to do some things such as moving boats from marinas to safety.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice for Dominica, the Dominican Republic, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas, saying: “Tropical Storm Erika is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions.”