Bridgetown, Barbados (CMC)— The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a warning on Monday regarding a disturbance located a few hundred miles east of the Lesser Antilles. Forecasters suggest that within the next 48 hours, this weather system could evolve into Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
In its latest advisory, the NHC indicated that the government of Antigua and Barbuda has upgraded the tropical storm watch to a warning. This warning now includes the islands of Montserrat, St Kitts-Nevis, and Anguilla.
The Dutch Caribbean islands of Saba and St Eustatius, along with the French territories of Guadeloupe, St Martin, and St Barthelemy, have also been placed under a similar warning.
Meanwhile, a tropical storm watch remains active for the British and United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Currently, the system is situated near latitude 14.6 North, longitude 54.3 West, moving westward at a speed of 26 miles per hour (mph).
“A westward to west-northwestward motion is expected with some decrease in forward speed during the next couple of days,” the NHC stated. “On the forecast track, the disturbance is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands late tonight or Tuesday and approach the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by Tuesday evening.”
Meteorologists reported that the maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph, with higher gusts. They anticipate some strengthening over the next couple of days.
“The disturbance is expected to become a tropical depression later today or tonight and potentially elevate to tropical storm status as it nears the Leeward Islands,” the NHC added.
Rainfall predictions suggest accumulations of four to six inches over portions of the Leeward Islands, which could lead to localized flooding and other weather-related impacts.
Residents across the affected regions are urged to stay alert and prepared, as the system’s development continues to be closely monitored. Essential precautions and timely updates will be crucial in weathering potential impacts from what could soon be named Tropical Storm Ernesto.
