Tropical storm Gabrielle brings heavy rain to Puerto Rico

Tropical storm Gabrielle's maximum sustained winds early Thursday are near 40 mph with slight strengthening possible over the next two days.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle is bringing heavy rains to Puerto Rico and nearby islands.

The storm's maximum sustained winds early Thursday are near 40 mph (65 kph) with slight strengthening possible over the next two days.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico and parts of the Dominican Republic, from Cabo Engano to Cabo Frances Viejo. The storm is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to parts of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eastern portions of the Dominican Republic.

Gabrielle is centered about 65 miles (105 kilometers) west-southwest of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and is moving northwest near 8 mph (13 kph).