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.

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The disturbance’s current trajectory suggests it will pass through the Leeward Islands tonight or Tuesday before moving closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday night. Afterward, it is expected to shift away from Puerto Rico over the Western Atlantic by mid-week.

The NHC has assigned a high probability (90%) that the system will develop into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours, with the same likelihood over the next seven days. The estimated minimum central pressure is currently 1010 mb (29.83 inches).

The latest update from the NHC at 11:00 AM AST reported that the disturbance is currently centered near latitude 15.1 N and longitude 55.6 W, moving west at a speed of approximately 26 mph. A shift towards the west-northwest is expected, with a slight decrease in forward speed over the coming days. Maximum sustained winds have reached 35 mph, with stronger gusts. The disturbance is likely to strengthen, potentially developing into a tropical depression later today or tonight, and further intensifying into a tropical storm as it continues its course.

The NHC has issued several key warnings and predictions related to the storm:

• Rainfall: The Virgin Islands can expect 4 to 6 inches of rain, which may lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
• Wind: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by late Tuesday or early Wednesday, bringing sustained winds and potentially dangerous gusts.
• Storm Surge: Cyclonic swells could elevate coastal water levels by 1 to 3 feet above normal, creating hazardous waves and dangerous surf conditions.

Residents of the Virgin Islands are urged to make necessary preparations and stay informed through local weather updates as the storm approaches.

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As of 8 a.m. on Saturday, the tropical wave, now officially named Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, was projected to become the third hurricane of the 2024 season. The NHC predicts that the system will develop into a tropical depression by early Monday morning and potentially intensify into Tropical Storm Ernesto shortly thereafter.

Currently moving west-northwest at 21 mph, Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is located approximately 950 miles southeast of Antigua. It has sustained winds of 30 mph and a central pressure of 1010 millibars. The system’s expansive stretch of showers and thunderstorms has grown more organized, prompting a series of tropical storm watches across the Caribbean.

In response to the impending threat, several governments across the Caribbean have issued Tropical Storm Watches, signaling the potential for tropical storm conditions within 48 hours. The affected areas include Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.

The Tropical Storm Watches highlight the growing concern for residents in these areas, who are advised to stay vigilant as the system advances. Interests in the Leeward Islands, British and U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are also encouraged to monitor the storm’s progress closely, with additional watches potentially being issued tonight or early Monday.

As Potential Tropical Cyclone Five continues on its west-northwest trajectory, it is poised to become Tropical Storm Ernesto in the coming days.

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