Tropical Storm Ernesto Approaches Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Ernesto is making its way toward Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, bringing heavy rains and winds that could reach up to 40 mph. This storm is expected to pass over the Leeward Islands late Monday and into Tuesday. It’s all happening right when the tropics are becoming more active this season.

Right now, Puerto Rico has activated the National Guard and has even canceled public school classes to prepare for what’s coming. Tropical storm warnings are up for various places, including Puerto Rico and the nearby Virgin Islands, as well as several Caribbean islands like Antigua and Barbuda.

As of now, Ernesto is about 295 miles off the coast of Antigua and is moving west-northwest. Experts predict the storm will bring heavy rains, potentially causing floods and landslides, especially in Puerto Rico, which could see between three to six inches of rain.

Nino Correa, the emergency management commissioner in Puerto Rico, is urging everyone to stay alert. He mentioned the urgency to prepare, saying results from the storm could change as we get closer to its arrival.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is also reminding people to take this storm seriously, treating this as an important rehearsal for what could come, especially since we are still in the peak of the hurricane season.

Ernesto is expected to strengthen to a hurricane by Thursday, making its way north toward Bermuda. Some forecasts indicate it could potentially reach major hurricane status, which adds to the urgency of the preparations happening now.