Puerto Rico Activates National Guard, Cancels Classes as Ernesto Nears

Puerto Rico has mobilised the National Guard and postponed the start of public school classes as Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches. The storm, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Monday, is expected to impact the US territory significantly. Warnings have been issued for Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten.

Tropical Storm Ernesto's Path and Impact

Ernesto is currently situated approximately 295 miles (475 kilometres) from Antigua. It has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is moving west-northwest at 28 mph (44 kph). This storm marks the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. According to officials in the French Caribbean, Guadeloupe is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Monday, with the storm passing near St. Barts and St. Martin.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Ernesto will approach Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands by Tuesday evening. Forecasters have warned that the storm could cause floods and landslides. "We cannot let our guard down," stated Nino Correa, Puerto Rico's emergency management commissioner, during a news conference.

Preparations and Warnings

Ernesto Morales from the National Weather Service in San Juan has predicted that six to eight inches of rain could fall, with higher amounts possible in isolated areas. He also cautioned about hurricane-strength wind gusts as the storm is expected to hit northeast Puerto Rico late Tuesday and early Wednesday. Morales urged residents to prepare and remain vigilant due to uncertainties regarding the storm's path. "This trajectory is not written in stone and will be changing," he noted.

In the neighbouring US Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. emphasised the importance of taking the storm seriously. "This is a practice run to make sure we're really prepared," he said, highlighting that the peak of hurricane season is still ahead.

Future Projections

Ernesto is anticipated to become a hurricane by early Thursday as it turns north towards Bermuda. Some forecasters have warned that it could strengthen into a major Category 3 storm. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year due to record warm ocean temperatures. NOAA forecasts between 17 to 25 named storms, with four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.

As Puerto Rico braces for Tropical Storm Ernesto, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The potential for severe weather highlights the importance of preparedness during this active hurricane season.