Tropical Storm Ernesto brought heavy rain and strong winds to Puerto Rico on Wednesday, causing widespread power outages across the U.S. territory. The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, was located northwest of San Juan and moving northwest over open waters.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami stated that while Ernesto may already be a hurricane, radar data does not yet support an upgrade. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane later on Wednesday.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Heavy flooding has been reported in several areas, leading to road closures and damage to infrastructure.
Ernesto is forecasted to become a major Category 3 hurricane as it moves towards Bermuda, with potential impacts on the U.S. East Coast. Forecasters are warning of dangerous rip currents and heavy swells along the coast.
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are bracing for significant rainfall, with up to 10 inches expected in isolated areas. More than 300,000 customers in Puerto Rico and an island-wide blackout in St. Croix have been reported, prompting FEMA to advise residents to prepare for extended power outages.
Luma Energy, responsible for power distribution in Puerto Rico, is prioritizing the restoration of essential services such as hospitals and water facilities. The island's power grid, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, remains vulnerable.
Residents, many of whom cannot afford generators, are facing challenges as they cope with the aftermath of the storm. Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced that emergency FEMA funds have been approved to assist in the recovery efforts.
Ernesto marks the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which NOAA has predicted to be above average due to warm ocean temperatures. With the potential for 17 to 25 named storms and several major hurricanes, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared for further developments.
