A tropical storm warning has been issued for several islands in the northeast Caribbean as a disturbance moves towards the region. The warning is in effect for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, St. Barts, and St. Maarten. A tropical storm watch has also been issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
The National Hurricane Center expects the disturbance to strengthen into a tropical depression later on Monday and then develop into a tropical storm as it nears the northeast Caribbean. It’s anticipated to become a hurricane by early Thursday as it shifts north towards Bermuda. This system is projected to become Ernesto, marking the fifth named storm of this Atlantic hurricane season.
Read: U.S. Deploys Additional Military Assets to Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Forecasters have cautioned that the system could trigger floods and landslides. Officials in the French Caribbean predict the disturbance will bring heavy rainfall to Guadeloupe on Monday and pass close to St. Barts and St. Martin. The National Hurricane Center anticipates the disturbance will approach Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands by Tuesday evening.
Currently, the disturbance is situated approximately 525 miles east-southeast of Antigua, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. It’s moving westward at a speed of 26 mph.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year due to record-high ocean temperatures. They predict 17 to 25 named storms, including four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.