Tropical Storm Ernesto May Become Major Hurricane

Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to bring heavy rains, flash flooding, and strong winds to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico from Tuesday through Wednesday. Current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center indicate that Ernesto could become a hurricane by Thursday and potentially a major hurricane by Friday. While Florida and the U.S. mainland are not expected to be directly impacted, Bermuda may experience significant effects. The storm has already caused travel disruptions, with numerous flight delays and cancellations reported across the Caribbean. Rainfall totals of up to 10 inches are possible in parts of Puerto Rico, raising concerns about flash flooding and mudslides. Ernesto's path is projected to turn northward after passing Puerto Rico, potentially affecting Bermuda or eastern Canada.