Tropical Storm Ernesto is projected to strengthen into a hurricane on Tuesday night, as stated by the National Hurricane Center. As of Tuesday afternoon, Ernesto was situated in the Caribbean about 135 miles east-southeast of Puerto Rico, moving west-northwest at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane while passing northeast of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center’s predictions. The center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over the Virgin Islands on Tuesday night, followed by a trajectory to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico by Wednesday, before eventually turning northwest and then north-northwest and north by Thursday.
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi urged residents to remain indoors after 6 p.m. on Tuesday as storm conditions were expected to worsen on the U.S. territory by midnight. Anticipated effects include widespread power outages across the island due to the fact that Puerto Rico’s electrical grid has not been fully rebuilt since being destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Additionally, Vieques and Culebra, island-municipalities located approximately 7 miles off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, are under hurricane warning based on information provided by Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the National Meteorological Service in San Juan.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is anticipated to continue strengthening over the coming days and is expected to evolve into a hurricane just north of the Greater Antilles, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, by Thursday. The hurricane center warned that tropical storm conditions will impact the Virgin Islands imminently, with Ernesto projected to bring 4 to 6 inches of precipitation to parts of the Leeward Islands and Virgin Islands and up to 10 inches in southeastern Puerto Rico. Potential storm surges may elevate water levels by up to 3 feet above ground level on Puerto Rico’s east coast, as well as for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, with the added risk of large and destructive waves near the coast of the British Virgin Islands.
Precautionary measures have been put in place, with Puerto Rico activating the National Guard and suspending the start of classes in public schools. Tropical storm warnings were issued for various Caribbean islands, including St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Barts, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Puerto Rico, as well as hurricane warnings for Vieques and Culebra. Moreover, Puerto Rican officials advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is projected to make its way across the western Atlantic as the week progresses.
As Ernesto evolves into a hurricane and moves through the Caribbean, it is imperative for residents in affected areas to heed official warnings and stay informed about the latest developments. The storm’s escalating strength and unpredictable trajectory underscore the importance of preparedness and caution. With the potential for significant rainfall, storm surges, and high winds, it is crucial for individuals and communities in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto to prioritize safety measures and follow guidance from local authorities to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of themselves and their communities.
