Puerto Rico has activated the National Guard and cancelled the start of classes in public schools in preparation for Tropical Storm Ernesto, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm, the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving west-northwest. Tropical storm warnings were in effect for Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and other neighboring islands. Officials warned of potential floods and landslides as the storm approached, with forecasters predicting between six to eight inches of rain and hurricane-strength wind gusts.
The storm was expected to drench Guadeloupe and pass near St. Barts and St. Martin before approaching Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Ernesto Morales from the National Weather Service in San Juan warned of uncertainties in the storm’s trajectory and urged people to prepare and stay alert. In the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. advised residents to take the storm seriously and consider it a practice run to ensure preparedness for the peak of hurricane season. Forecasters predicted that Ernesto would likely become a hurricane and turn north toward Bermuda, potentially strengthening into a major Category 3 storm.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season due to record warm ocean temperatures, forecasting 17 to 25 named storms with four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. With the ongoing uncertainties surrounding Ernesto’s trajectory, emergency management officials in Puerto Rico urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential severe weather conditions. Officials emphasized the importance of taking the storm seriously and being proactive in ensuring safety and readiness in the face of the approaching system.
The activation of the National Guard and cancellation of school classes demonstrated the seriousness with which Puerto Rico was approaching the threat of Tropical Storm Ernesto. With the storm expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for landslides and floods, officials across the region were taking precautionary measures to protect residents and ensure their safety. As forecasters warned of the storm’s potential to intensify into a hurricane and impact additional areas, including Bermuda, preparedness and readiness were key priorities for residents and emergency management agencies.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. emphasized the importance of treating the storm as a practice run to test preparations and ensure resilience for the remainder of the hurricane season. With the peak of the season still to come, residents were urged to stay informed, adhere to safety guidelines, and remain vigilant as the situation continued to develop. The approach of Ernesto served as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by severe weather events and the need for communities to work together to prioritize safety and readiness in the face of potential disasters.
Overall, the activation of the National Guard, cancellation of classes, and preparations by emergency management officials highlighted the collaborative efforts being made to protect residents and mitigate the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Ernesto. As the storm continued to progress and evolve, residents were urged to stay informed, heed safety warnings, and take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being. With the unpredictability of weather systems and the potential for rapid intensification, readiness and preparedness were key components in safeguarding against the dangers posed by severe storms during the hurricane season.
