Tropical Storm Ernesto is on the verge of becoming a hurricane as it moves near Puerto Rico, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that have caused widespread power outages across the island.
As of early Wednesday morning, Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, just shy of hurricane strength.
The storm’s center was located northwest of San Juan after passing over the Virgin Islands on Tuesday.
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Although the storm’s center will not directly hit Puerto Rico, it is expected to unleash torrential rainfall of up to 10 inches, potentially causing flash floods and mudslides, particularly in the southeastern part of the island.
The storm poses a serious threat to Puerto Rico’s already fragile power infrastructure, with hundreds of thousands of residents already experiencing power outages.
- Heavy Rainfall: Ernesto is expected to bring 8-10 inches of rain, with potential for flash flooding and mudslides, especially in southeastern Puerto Rico.
- Strong Winds: Sustained winds are near 70 mph with higher gusts, potentially causing power outages and damage.
- Coastal Impacts: Large swells generated by Ernesto are expected to reach the East Coast and Bermuda later this week, causing life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas should take precautions and stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings. Seek shelter if necessary and be prepared for potential power outages and flooding.
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