MIAMI (Florida, US), Aug 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tropical Storm Ernesto was moving over the Virgin Islands on Tuesday evening, just days after Debby finished its trek along the US East Coast. It is expected to become a hurricane overnight while passing northeast of Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center said.
As of 8 p.m. ET, forecasters said Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving west-northwest at 18 mph as it moved over the Virgin Islands. It was about 20 miles east of St. Thomas and about 90 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the center said.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for Montserrat and Anguilla, as well as the US and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra. Tropical storm warnings were discontinued for St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Maarten and Anguilla by Tuesday evening.
Forecasters expect the storm will strengthen and become a hurricane by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
The storm is expected to produce between 4 and 6 inches of rain over the Leeward and Virgin Islands, and 3 to 6 inches, and maximum amounts of 10 inches, over Puerto Rico. Storm surge levels could rise as much as 3 feet and bring “large and destructive waves.” The Leeward Islands could also see “considerable flash flooding and mudslides,” the National Hurricane Center said.
“Some models have been suggesting a foot is possible given the topography, so can’t rule out higher totals,” forecasters said. “… The U.S. remains outside of the risk zone for direct impacts, but rip currents and larger waves will be a concern along the eastern seaboard.”
Ernesto marks the fifth named storm so far of the Atlantic hurricane season, which has already proven to be historic after Beryl reached record strength at the beginning of the season in above-average temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA has predicted an above-normal season, with 17-25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.
The fifth-named storm typically does not occur until Aug. 22, according to NOAA. — NNN-AGENCIES
