MIAMI.- The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reports an area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is currently passing north of the northern Leeward Islands and moving west at 10 to 15  miles per hour, and further strengthening is possible. 

“This system is showing some signs of organization, while upper-level winds are gradually becoming more conducive for development,” the NHC said on its Web site, which adds that a tropical depression could form later today or on Friday

It said a reconnaissance plane would investigate it later today and the system could bring heavy rains and winds to areas of Dominican Republic in the next days.