Tropical Storm Ernesto Strengthens to a Category 1 Hurricane
Tropical Storm Ernesto has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, wreaking havoc in Puerto Rico and surrounding regions. As reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm is currently situated approximately 175 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph. The hurricane is expected to strengthen further as it moves towards Bermuda, potentially becoming a major hurricane in the next 48 hours. Torrential rains have already left more than a million residents in Puerto Rico without power, prompting concerns about the island's aging electrical infrastructure.
Emergency Preparations in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
In anticipation of Ernesto's impact, Puerto Rico’s Governor Pedro Pierluisi has mobilized the National Guard and has urged residents to shelter in place. Public schools across the island are closed, and nearly 80 emergency shelters have been opened. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on standby to assist with immediate responses, including search and rescue operations. With the fragile power grid still recovering from Hurricane Maria in 2017, residents are warned to prepare for widespread power outages and flooding, especially in the southeastern regions of the island.
Potential Impacts and Future Trajectory of Ernesto
As Ernesto continues its path through the Caribbean, it is expected to curve northward towards the open waters of the Atlantic. The storm could strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane as it approaches Bermuda by the weekend. Experts caution that the storm may cause dangerous rip currents and sea level rises along the US East Coast. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average hurricane season this year, with Ernesto being the fifth named storm. Residents and travelers are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for potential impacts as the storm evolves.
