Ernesto Predicted to Intensify into Atlantic Hurricane

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Tropical Storm Ernesto, currently in the Caribbean, is expected to strengthen into a hurricane in the Atlantic by Thursday, says the National Hurricane Center. The storm, moving west-northwest with 50 mph maximum sustained winds, is expected to pass near or over the Virgin Islands and north of Puerto Rico, bringing 4 to 6 inches of rain to parts of the Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands, and up to 10 inches of rain across southeastern Puerto Rico. A hurricane watch has been issued for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico’s Vieques and Culebra, while tropical storm warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, and St. Barts.


Tropical Storm Ernesto Expected to Strengthen into Atlantic Hurricane

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Ernesto is predicted to escalate into a hurricane in the Atlantic by Thursday. Currently positioned in the Caribbean, approximately 250 miles east-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ernesto is moving west-northwest at 18 mph.

With maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, Ernesto’s course is projected to maintain until Tuesday evening before shifting northwest, slowing down on Wednesday and Thursday. “Ernesto should pass near or over the Virgin Islands this evening, then move just north of Puerto Rico tonight and on Wednesday,” stated the hurricane center on Tuesday morning.

The storm is then set to traverse the western Atlantic later in the week, strengthening over time. It is expected to become a hurricane north of the Greater Antilles, which includes countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, by Thursday.

Ernesto may bring significant rainfall, with 4 to 6 inches forecasted over parts of the Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands, and up to 10 inches over southeast Puerto Rico, warns the hurricane center. Water levels could rise by 3 feet above ground level on the east coast of Puerto Rico, as well as for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Destructive waves may accompany the storm surge near the British Virgin Islands coast.

The National Guard has already been activated in Puerto Rico, and the start of public school classes has been postponed. Hurricane watches have been issued for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands as well as for Puerto Rico’s Vieques and Culebra. Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, and St. Barts have received tropical storm warnings.

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