Tropical Storm Ernesto Targets Puerto Rico, Prompts Closures

Storm brings heavy rains and potential power outages to the region
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 13, 2024 10:00 AM CDT
Tropical Storm Ernesto Targets Puerto Rico, Prompts Closures
This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 4:30 p.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Tropical Storm Ernesto over the Atlantic Ocean and moving west-northwest toward the Lesser Antilles, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.   (NOAA via AP)

Tropical Storm Ernesto struck the northeast Caribbean on Tuesday, closing schools and government agencies in Puerto Rico. Situated 350 miles east-southeast of San Juan, the storm had 40mph sustained winds and was headed west at 20mph. Governor Pedro Pierluisi urged residents to seek shelter by Tuesday evening, stating, "It's not a hurricane, but it will bring heavy rains regardless."

To prepare, the National Guard was activated, and crews were dispatched to flood-prone areas and to aid the elderly. Forecasters predict six to eight inches of rain for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, with possible flooding and landslides, and up to 10 inches in isolated areas. Warnings extend to Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, the US and British Virgin Islands, and other surrounding islands. Power outages are expected due to Puerto Rico's fragile electric grid, which is still undergoing repairs post-Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Ernesto is forecast to pass over or near Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Tuesday evening. Guadeloupe, previously hit by the storm, saw road closures and warnings about water quality. This marks the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season; it is expected to become a hurricane by Thursday over open waters while on course toward Bermuda. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects a busier-than-average season with 17 to 25 named storms and up to seven major hurricanes, fueled by record warm ocean temperatures. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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