WEATHER
Tropical Storm Ernesto: When will it hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands?
Storm season is in full swing with the United States’ Caribbean territories next on the hurricane hit list.
Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to impact Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands beginning Tuesday evening and continuing into Wednesday. The storm is forecasted to move over or near these areas, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
As of Tuesday morning, Ernesto was located about 300 miles east-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and moving west at 18 mph.
Authorities in Puerto Rico have taken precautionary measures by canceling classes, activating the National Guard, and opening shelters in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. The U.S. Virgin Islands have also closed schools and warned residents to take the storm seriously.
The storm is expected to produce 3 to 6 inches of rain over Puerto Rico, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches, leading to concerns about flash flooding and mudslides. Ernesto is projected to strengthen into a hurricane after passing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, potentially reaching hurricane strength by Thursday.