Ernesto Strengthens into a Hurricane, Bringing Heavy Rain and Power Outages to Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
The storm was located about 175 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico and was moving over open waters, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Current Conditions
Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and was moving northwest at 16 mph.
Tropical Storm Warning Issued
A tropical storm warning was in effect for Puerto Rico and its outlying islands of Vieques and Culebra and for the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Impact on Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
A blackout was reported in St. John and St. Croix, and at least six cell phone towers were knocked offline across the U.S. territory, said Daryl Jaschen, emergency management director.
Schools and government agencies, however, remained closed in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where heavy flooding was reported in several areas, forcing officials to block roads, some of which were strewn with trees. Nearly 100 flights were canceled to and from Puerto Rico.
Bermuda Bracing for Impact
Ernesto is forecast to move through open waters for the rest of the week and make its closest approach to Bermuda on Saturday. It is expected to become a major Category 3 storm in the upcoming days and then weaken slightly to a Category 2 as it nears Bermuda.
“Residents need to prepare now before conditions worsen,” said Bermuda’s National Security Minister Michael Weeks.
Heavy Swells on the U.S. East Coast
Forecasters also warned of heavy swells along the U.S. East Coast.
“That means that anybody who goes to the beach, even if the weather is beautiful and nice, it could be dangerous … with those rip currents,” said Robbie Berg, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center.
Forecast
Between 4 to 6 inches of rain is expected in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and between 6 to 8 inches in Puerto Rico, with up to 10 inches in isolated areas.
Conclusion
Ernesto’s impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has been significant, with heavy rain, power outages, and flooding reported. The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane, with a potential impact on Bermuda. Residents are advised to prepare for the worst and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of Ernesto?
A: Ernesto has strengthened into a hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and is moving northwest at 16 mph.
Q: What is the impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands?
A: Heavy rain, power outages, and flooding have been reported, with nearly 100 flights canceled and schools and government agencies closed.
Q: What is the forecast for Bermuda?
A: Ernesto is expected to make its closest approach to Bermuda on Saturday, strengthening into a major Category 3 storm before weakening slightly to a Category 2 as it nears the island.
Q: What is the forecast for the U.S. East Coast?
A: Heavy swells are expected along the U.S. East Coast, with rip currents posing a danger to beachgoers.
Q: What is the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast?
A: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
