The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced on Wednesday that the atmospheric phenomenon Ernesto has intensified into a hurricane, battering the northern Caribbean with heavy rains and strong gusty winds.
The center of the storm is positioned 125 miles northwest of San Juan, moving away from Puerto Rico. Its extensive moisture trail will continue to bring showers and flooding to various parts of the island.
According to Radar Informativo on its social media account X, "it is moving northwest at 16 miles per hour, with a minimum pressure of 29.26 inches. Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 150 miles from the center."
The future trajectory of Ernesto as a hurricane will largely depend on the warm ocean waters and upper-level winds that influence its development. There is a possibility it could become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by the end of the week.
The storm is generating waves in the ocean hundreds of miles away, potentially causing dangerous rip currents along the east coast of the United States, the Bahamas, and parts of the Caribbean through early next week.
Ernesto formed on Monday in the Atlantic and initial forecasts indicated it was headed towards Cuba when it was still a tropical wave. It later veered northward.
Forecast models do not predict that it will affect either the island of Cuba or the state of Florida in the United States.
So far in this Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, five tropical storms have formed: Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, and Ernesto.
Ernesto Hurricane Details and Safety Concerns
Given the recent upgrade of Ernesto to a hurricane, many people have questions about its potential impact and safety precautions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What areas are most at risk from Hurricane Ernesto?
Currently, the northern Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, is experiencing heavy rains and strong winds. The east coast of the United States, the Bahamas, and parts of the Caribbean may also face dangerous rip currents.
How strong is Hurricane Ernesto expected to get?
Ernesto could potentially develop into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by the end of the week, depending on the warm ocean waters and upper-level winds.
Is there a risk for Florida or Cuba from Hurricane Ernesto?
Current forecast models do not predict that Ernesto will impact either Florida or Cuba.