Tropical storm ‘Bret’ has gained strength as it moves towards the Caribbean islands. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that the storm will reach the islands on Thursday evening, bringing torrential rainfall, landslides, and flooding. Tropical Storm Watches have been issued for St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Barbados. The storm is expected to weaken after entering the eastern Caribbean Sea. A special aircraft will be sent to investigate the storm’s intensity. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted 12 to 17 named storms for this year’s hurricane season, with the possibility of 5 to 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.