Tropical Storm Ernesto Poised to Intensify into Hurricane in the Atlantic

Tropical Storm Ernesto is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane in the Atlantic by Thursday, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as it moves west-northwest towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The storm is expected to shift towards the northwest and north at a slower speed on Wednesday and Thursday before moving across the western Atlantic later in the week. Ernesto is projected to become a hurricane just north of the Greater Antilles by Thursday, bringing heavy rain and possible storm surges to the Leeward and Virgin Islands, as well as southeastern Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has activated the National Guard and canceled school classes in preparation for the storm. A hurricane watch has been issued for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as Puerto Rico’s Vieques and Culebra, while tropical storm warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Guadeloupe, and St. Barts. Residents in these areas are urged to take necessary precautions as Ernesto continues to strengthen and move through the region.

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