By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist
October 24,2012; 8:50PM,EDT
Communities from Jamaica to the Bahamas are the early targets of Sandy before the system has any chance to threaten the United States.
After taking shape midday Monday in the central Caribbean, Tropical Depression 18 intensified into Tropical Storm Sandy six hours later. Sandy became a hurricane Tuesday, prior to making landfall east of Kingston, Jamaica.
Scenarios for the final destination of Sandy range from the storm bypassing the United States to creating a nightmare for millions along the East Coast early next week.
Communities from Jamaica to the Bahamas will endure the wrath of Sandy this week.
According to the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center, Sandy will continue its northward movement putting the storm on a path to cross eastern Cuba later Thursday night and the central Bahamas Friday.
Torrential rain will not only inundate the islands in the path of Sandy through Friday but will also soak Hispaniola and the southern Bahamas.
Rainfall totals will generally average 4 to 8 inches with locally more than a foot in the mountains. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are a serious concern from Jamaica to eastern Cuba and Hispaniola.
Another danger will be building surf and rip currents in these areas and along Florida's east coast as Sandy strengthens and moves northward.
Weather
Wind, Waves, Rain So Far for Jamaica
@spann cloud has moved in. Can't see Kingston anymore. Moderate rain no wind. Is this the calm before the storm? pic.twitter.com/imbQnmYr
@spann Kingston Jamaica. Waiting on Sandy. Rain no breeze yet. Cloud starting to move in. pic.twitter.com/0krHJIWI
Kingston, Jamaica 06:30. Waiting on Sandy. Raining no breeze yet. pic.twitter.com/TfkJbDs5
PHOTO: Fishermen in Portland Cottage, Clarendon moving their boats to higher ground - Ian Allen/Photographer pic.twitter.com/wJ4AA2pZ
PHOTO: A resident of Rocky Point, Clarendon, navigates his way through the flooded streets - Ian Allen/Photographer pic.twitter.com/HP738R8s
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