Tropical Storm Ernesto Eyes Puerto Rico While Plowing Through Caribbean Islands

As the sun set on the picturesque views of the Caribbean, the focus turned to **_Tropical Storm Ernesto_**, which has been steadily intensifying while moving across the region. Puerto Rico is now preparing for the storm’s powerful approach, as Ernesto unleashes its winds and rains.

Strengthening Storm Approaches

Latest reports show that Tropical Storm Ernesto has ramped up its intensity, with maximum sustained winds creeping up to **_65 mph_**, having increased by a noteworthy **_25 mph_** within just 12 hours. Meteorologists have warned that Ernesto is likely to evolve into a hurricane, with the possibility of reaching hurricane strength by early Wednesday, directly impacting the **_Virgin Islands_** and **_Puerto Rico_**.

Current Warnings and Precautions

The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane watches for a number of areas, including the US and British Virgin Islands, as well as the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra. Additionally, tropical storm warnings are currently active for **_Puerto Rico_** and the **_Leeward Islands_**, indicating that residents need to stay vigilant and prepared.

Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks

The threat doesn’t end with the winds. The storm is expected to bring substantial rainfall, with totals ranging from **_4 to 6 inches_** widely across the Caribbean, and localized areas potentially receiving up to **_10 inches_** in Puerto Rico. This heavy rainfall raises significant concerns for flash floods and mudslides, particularly in the **_eastern and southern regions_** of Puerto Rico where the terrain is higher.

Impact on Infrastructure and Emergency Preparations

Puerto Rico’s fragile electrical infrastructure remains at high risk from Ernesto’s winds and rain. With lingering effects from past hurricanes, officials have activated the National Guard, cancelled public school classes, and emphasized the likelihood of widespread power outages. The president of Luma Energy has already warned that **_”that’s a reality.”_**

Emergency preparations are critical; residents are advised to stock up on non-perishable food items, ensure their electronic devices are charged, and devise plans to keep medications that require refrigeration cool and safe. **_Jaclyn Rothenberg_**, FEMA’s Public Affairs Director, reminded residents of the importance of taking the storm seriously and being ready for its effects.

Potential for Further Intensification

Ernesto’s path is expected to shift northward, moving into the open **_Atlantic Ocean_**. This change could allow the storm to strengthen further, with predictions suggesting it could reach a **_Category 3 hurricane_** status as it moves towards Bermuda later in the week. However, its exact trajectory remains uncertain, which raises the specter of needing to prepare for unexpected impacts, including rip currents and rough seas affecting U.S. coastal areas, the Bahamas, and more.

Looking Ahead

As the Caribbean braces itself for Ernesto, the focus now shifts to immediate response needs. The **_Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)_** is positioned to act, detailing that while immediate responses can be addressed, long-term recovery from previous disasters remains on hold due to funding constraints.

As residents of Puerto Rico and surrounding islands make final preparations, community solidarity and readiness play vital roles in weathering the imminent challenges posed by Ernesto.