Tropical Storm Ernesto made landfall in the northeastern Caribbean on Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region. Puerto Rico, still recovering from the devastating Hurricane Maria, is bracing for the storm’s impact.
The storm, with winds of 45 mph, is expected to dump up to 8 inches of rain on the island, raising concerns about flooding and mudslides. Officials have urged residents to take precautions and prepare for power outages, as the island’s power grid remains vulnerable after the 2017 hurricane.
Government officials and emergency teams are on high alert, monitoring the storm’s progress and providing assistance to vulnerable populations. Schools and government offices have been closed as a precaution.
While Ernesto is currently classified as a tropical storm, Forecasters warn it could strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through the region. The storm’s path is expected to take it near the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda in the coming days.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast an above-average hurricane season this year due to record-breaking ocean temperatures. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, coastal communities in the Caribbean and the United States remain vigilant for potential threats.