WEATHER
Will hurricane Ernesto hit the US coast? This is what the experts say of its trajectory and strength
The storm is ravaging Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands with heavy rain and strong winds though is likely to miss the mainland.
Tropical Storm Ernesto, which recently formed in the Atlantic, is currently impacting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with heavy rain and strong winds. However, experts predict that Ernesto will not directly hit the US mainland. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves northward in the Atlantic Ocean, away from the continental United States.
While Ernesto is not projected to make landfall in the continental US, it could still affect the eastern seaboard with dangerous rip currents and rough surf conditions.
These conditions are expected to reach the US East Coast by Thursday night, prompting warnings for beachgoers and maritime activities
Current status and trajectory
As of the latest updates, Ernesto is situated in the Caribbean, moving west-northwest at approximately 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm is forecasted to alter its course to the northwest and then north, potentially reaching hurricane strength by Thursday as it moves north of the Greater Antilles, which includes Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.
“Heavy rainfall may result in locally considerable flash flooding and mudslides in areas of the Leeward Islands through today, and over the Virgin Islands into Puerto Rico by later today through Wednesday,” the hurricane center said in an advisory Tuesday morning.
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Ernesto is expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to the Virgin Islands and up to 10 inches in parts of Puerto Rico, raising concerns about flash flooding and mudslides.
In response, Puerto Rico has activated the National Guard, canceled classes, and opened shelters to prepare for the storm’s impact. The U.S. Virgin Islands have also closed schools and are urging residents to take the storm seriously.