The center of Tropical Storm Ernesto passed within 40 miles from San Juan, Puerto Rico, producing strong winds and heavy rain overnight.
More than 300,000 customers were without power in Puerto Rico, according to LUMA, a service provider.
The storm was moving Wednesday morning away from Puerto Rico and was nearing hurricane strength with sustained winds of 70 mph. Hurricane force winds begin at 74 mph.
People buy groceries and bottled water at a supermarket as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches, in Humacao, Puerto Rico August 13, 2024.
Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters
On Culebra island, east of Puerto Rico, sustained wind of 68 mph was reported with gust to 86 mph. A METAR Observation Station at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico reported a sustained wind of 48 mph and a gust of 74 mph.
Tropical storm warnings were issued for Puerto Rico and a hurricane watch was in effect for for British Virgin Islands.
A warning sign reading “Danger, No Swimming” under a red flag, indicating unsafe swimming conditions, are seen on the beach as waves crash onto the shore in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, on August 13, 2024, as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches.
Jaydee Lee Serrano/AFP via Getty Images
Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi had warned residents to stay home starting on Tuesday evening, when the tropical storm-force winds are forecast to reach the island. Total rainfall could reach up to 10 inches in some spots.
A flash-flood warning had been issued for parts of Puerto Rico early Wednesday morning, as several inches of rain already causing flash flooding. Heavy rain and gusty winds will continue in Puerto Rico into the afternoon as Ernesto moves away.
ABC News’ Jessica Gorman contributed to this report.
Tropical Storm Ernesto has been making headlines in recent days as it continues to strengthen near hurricane force winds. The storm, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this week, has been moving away from Puerto Rico and is now heading towards the open waters of the Caribbean.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds have increased to 70 mph, just shy of hurricane force winds. The storm is currently located about 250 miles south-southeast of Bermuda and is moving northwest at a speed of 8 mph.
While Ernesto is not expected to make landfall in any populated areas, residents in Bermuda and other nearby islands are being urged to monitor the storm closely and take necessary precautions. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Bermuda, where heavy rain and strong winds are expected to impact the island in the coming days.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring Ernesto’s path and intensity, as the storm has the potential to strengthen further before weakening over the weekend. The storm is expected to continue moving northwest over the next few days before turning northeast and eventually dissipating in the North Atlantic.
Tropical storms like Ernesto serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the Atlantic Ocean during hurricane season. It is important for residents in hurricane-prone areas to stay informed and prepared for potential storms by having an emergency plan in place and stocking up on essential supplies.
As Ernesto continues to move away from Puerto Rico and towards Bermuda, residents in the affected areas should stay tuned to local weather updates and follow any evacuation orders or safety recommendations issued by authorities. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the potential impact of tropical storms like Ernesto and stay safe during hurricane season.
