It’s a tad late in the storm season for this, but tell that to the people of Haiti: Less than a year after the island nation was rocked by a cataclysmic earthquake, Haiti is now in the path of a powerful tropical storm, Tomas, that could do considerable damage if it keeps picking up steam. –KA

BBC:

Tomas is expected to pick up speed over the next 48 hours, and experts warn it could again develop into a hurricane.

“On the forecast track, the centre will pass near Haiti or extreme eastern Cuba (late Thursday) and early Friday,” the NHC said.

The storm is expected to dump as much as 38cm (15in) of rain over Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic, with more heavy rain over Jamaica and Cuba.

The UN said on Thursday that more emergency supplies and equipment were urgently needed.

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