Tropical Storm Ernesto has brought heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over the past few hours from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The storm is expected to move northward into the Atlantic Ocean throughout the day.
According to the 8:00 am advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Ernesto was located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of San Juan. It is predicted to turn north-northwest tonight and Thursday, with a decrease in its speed.
The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (68 mph) and is moving northwest at 26 km/h (16 mph). In the coming days, it is expected to travel over the western Atlantic and approach Bermuda by Saturday.
Ernesto formed on Monday in the Atlantic, initially predicted to head toward Cuba when it was still a tropical wave. However, it later veered northward. Forecast models do not anticipate Ernesto affecting either Cuba or Florida.
The storm is expected to reach hurricane status by Thursday as it heads into the ocean.
Implications of Tropical Storm Ernesto
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers about Tropical Storm Ernesto's impact and forecast.
How much rainfall has Tropical Storm Ernesto brought to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands?
Ernesto has caused heavy rainfall in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands over the past few hours from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
What is the current status of Tropical Storm Ernesto?
As of the latest advisory, Ernesto is 200 kilometers northwest of San Juan with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, moving northwest at 26 km/h.
Will Ernesto impact Cuba or Florida?
Forecast models do not anticipate that Ernesto will affect either Cuba or Florida.
When is Ernesto expected to become a hurricane?
Ernesto is expected to reach hurricane status by Thursday as it moves into the ocean.