The Caribbean region faces heightened threats as Tropical Storm Ernesto has now intensified into a hurricane, bringing with it the risk of significant flooding across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, as heavy rains persist and dangerous conditions loom.

Early Wednesday morning, August 14, Ernesto was upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. The upgrade occurred around 11:00 AM local time when Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph, as forecasters had predicted. The storm is expected to strengthen further, potentially becoming a major hurricane in the next couple of days.

As of 11:00 AM AST (1500 UTC), Hurricane Ernesto was positioned near latitude 20.5 North and longitude 67.6 West, approximately 175 miles (280 km) northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and around 835 miles (1340 km) south-southwest of Bermuda. The storm is currently moving northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h), with a turn toward the north-northwest and then north expected later today and tonight. The storm is forecasted to continue a generally northward motion at a slower pace through Saturday.

Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph (120 km/h), with higher gusts reported, and the storm’s minimum central pressure has dropped to 991 mb (29.27 inches), signalling further intensification. Hurricane-force winds now extend up to 35 miles (55 km) from the storm’s center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach out as far as 230 miles (370 km).

The forecast track indicates that Ernesto will continue to move away from Puerto Rico today, gradually shifting across the western Atlantic over the next few days. The hurricane is expected to approach Bermuda by Friday and Saturday, potentially strengthening further as it progresses.

For residents in the affected areas, the combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds presents a serious threat. The persistent rains are likely to lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions already saturated from previous downpours. Flooding could become widespread and severe, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra, are advised to continue monitoring the situation closely, heed all warnings, and take necessary precautions to protect life and property. As Ernesto advances, the situation remains fluid, and updates from the National Hurricane Center and local disaster management agencies will be critical for ensuring safety.

As Tropical Storm Ernesto continues to impact the British Virgin Islands, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is urging all residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Numerous trees have fallen, particularly in the countryside areas on the northern side of the islands, posing significant risks. Sightseeing is strongly discouraged, as there is a high likelihood of becoming trapped by debris.

Road crews are actively assessing the damage and working to clear debris from the roads. However, the all-clear has not yet been given. Residents are advised to stay off the roads until further notice. The DDM emphasises that the teams are prioritising the clearing of main roads first, but their safety is also paramount. The public is urged to exercise patience as these efforts continue.

Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, remains a serious threat. As of 2 a.m., the storm was located near latitude 19.0 North and longitude 66.0 West, approximately 86 miles west-northwest of Road Town. Moving northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h), the storm is expected to take a turn toward the north-northwest and then north, gradually decreasing in speed by Wednesday night and Thursday.

On its current trajectory, Ernesto is forecasted to pass to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico by early Wednesday, then move over the western Atlantic later in the week, potentially approaching Bermuda by Friday.

With maximum sustained winds now at 70 mph (110 km/h) and further strengthening anticipated, Ernesto is likely to become a hurricane by early Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center, and residents should be prepared for heavy rain, flash flooding, and hazardous marine conditions.

The Department of Disaster Management continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property during this critical period.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is currently moving across the Virgin Islands, with conditions anticipated to intensify into hurricane status overnight.

As of the latest advisory, Ernesto is positioned at 18.4°N latitude and 64.7°W longitude, approximately 20 miles (30 km) east of St. Thomas and about 90 miles (145 km) east of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Current Weather Conditions:

• Maximum Sustained Winds: 65 mph (100 km/h)
• Present Movement: West-northwest (WNW) at 18 mph (30 km/h)
• Minimum Central Pressure: 998 mb (29.47 inches)

As Ernesto continues its path, residents of the Virgin Islands should brace for further deterioration in weather conditions. The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it passes to the northeast of Puerto Rico later tonight.

Authorities are urging everyone to stay vigilant, adhere to safety advisories, and prepare for severe weather impacts.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.