Tropical Storm Ernesto Forms, Warnings Issued For BVI, Puerto Rico, St Kitts
Weather Channel forecast for Tropical Storm Ernesto
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By Alric Lindsay
The National Hurricane Center has confirmed that Tropical Storm Ernesto formed this evening, August 12, 2024.
At the time of the report, the centre of the storm was located near latitude 16.0 North, longitude 57.5 West, with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph (65 km/h) and higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the centre, and the estimated minimum central pressure is 1009 mb (29.80 inches).
Tropical Storm Ernesto is moving west-northwest at 28 mph (44 km/h) and is expected to continue for the next couple of days.
The Leeward Islands are anticipated to be impacted late tonight or on Tuesday.
Subsequently, Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to pass near or over the US British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Tuesday evening.
Following this, the forecast indicates that the storm will turn northward toward the western Atlantic.
Rainfall of four to six inches is expected over portions of the Leeward and Virgin Islands, and three to six inches are expected for Puerto Rico.
Image source: Weather Channel
Storm surges of one to three feet above ground level are expected for the eastern coast of Puerto Rico from San Juan to Guayama, including the islands of Culebra and Vieques, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
A storm surge is expected to raise water levels in the British Virgin Islands by as much as one to three feet above normal tide levels.
Swells generated by Ernesto will likely begin to affect portions of the Leeward Islands beginning late tonight. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
As a result of the foregoing, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, and Anguilla
- Guadeloupe
- St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
- Sint Maarten
- British Virgin Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Vieques
- Culebra
Interests in the Caribbean are encouraged to monitor Tropical Storm Ernesto as forecasts may change at any time. In particular, stakeholders should listen for advisories on local weather stations which can provide more information on local impacts.
