Forecasts indicate that Tropical Storm Ernesto will intensify following its recent assault on the northern Caribbean islands. Ernesto, the second named storm of the week, is projected to escalate into a hurricane as it moves northeast of Puerto Rico, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time advisory. At the time of the advisory, the storm was positioned 20 miles east of St. Thomas and 90 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This inclement weather event led to the cancellation of the first day of classes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in addition to causing disruptions to flight schedules at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Stay informed by tracking the storm’s trajectory using the most up-to-date maps and models below, and keep up with the latest coverage of Tropical Storm Ernesto by USA TODAY, as the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season progresses through the Caribbean.
Where is Ernesto headed next? Ernesto is set to make landfall in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rican islands, have been placed under hurricane watches by the National Hurricane Center. Deputy Director Jamie Rhome emphasized the need for residents in these areas to prepare for potential hurricane conditions during a live stream announcement. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall of 4 to 6 inches to the Virgin Islands and 6 to 8 inches to southeastern Puerto Rico. Subsequently, Ernesto is forecasted to veer northward towards Bermuda, strengthening over the Atlantic Ocean.
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Explore the Tropical Storm Ernesto Spaghetti Models to view a variety of forecast tools and models, with the hurricane center utilizing only the most reliable models to assist in making accurate predictions. Stay updated on the progress of this storm as it approaches Puerto Rico in this article by USA TODAY.
