US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico prepare for impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto

The United States unincorporated territories of the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are in preparation mode for the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which is expected to impact the area on Tuesday, August 13. As of publishing time, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, Sint Maarten, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Ernesto is moving toward the west-northwest near 28 mph (44 km/h). A westward
to west-northwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, Ernesto is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands late tonight or Tuesday and near or over the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Tuesday evening. Ernesto is then forecast to turn northward over the western Atlantic.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next few days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center.

Preparations underway

In the US Virgin Islands, officials urged residents to shelter in place, while offering sandbags, wary of the potential effects of the rain across the islands. Disruptions to electric service were already being reported in St. Thomas and St. John even before the effects of the storm began. Government officials also indicated that the storm did not warrant opening shelters.

In Puerto Rico, flooding was expected due to excessive rain and rising tides, as were interruptions to electric service. Similar to the US Virgin Islands, 30,000 customers are already experiencing power outages due to factors besides the looming storm.

Officials varied from stressing their preparation for this weather event, while others pointed out they are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The territory’s education agency announced that the start of the school semester had been suspended.

The government in Puerto Rico also activated the Puerto Rico National Guard, while some municipalities opened shelters for those in unsafe housing.

Updates on the storm’s impact will come as the storm passes through the area of both territories.