Ernesto Brings Devastating Rains and Power Outages to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves north through the Atlantic, bringing intense rains and power outages to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Schools and government offices are closed, and the storm, the fifth named Atlantic storm of the season, could soon become a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is poised to intensify into a hurricane by Wednesday while traversing north in the Atlantic. The storm has already unleashed heavy rain and widespread power outages across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, impacting thousands of homes and businesses.

At about 125 miles northwest of San Juan, Ernesto packed winds reaching 70 miles per hour, the National Hurricane Center reported. The storm is the fifth named Atlantic storm this season and is expected to become a hurricane shortly.

Ernesto has already left about 436,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico without power, exacerbated by persistent flood-inducing rains across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, leading to street flooding and mudslides. Authorities have issued tropical storm warnings and urged residents to stay safe.

(With inputs from agencies.)