Puerto Rico braces for Tropical Storm Dorian

A state of emergency has been declared for the US territory of Puerto Rico as the region braces for Tropical Storm Dorian.

Forecasters expect Dorian to develop into a hurricane in the next 24 hours, carrying maximum sustained winds of 80 kph.

Schools have been ordered to shut down, with Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez announcing that 360 shelters will be made available for displaced residents.

Dorian is expected to weaken slightly after moving over Puerto Rico before regaining strength on Thursday as it approaches Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas.