Ernesto Nears Hurricane Strength as Caribbean Braces for More Storms

Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected to become a hurricane, is causing widespread power outages and flooding across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. With wind speeds of 70 mph, Ernesto could reach major hurricane status in the coming days. Essential services and infrastructures are the focus of restoration efforts.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is anticipated to escalate into a hurricane by Wednesday, as it moves away from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, leaving widespread torrential rain and power outages. The storm is currently positioned 125 miles northwest of the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, with wind speeds of 70 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest advisory.

The fifth named Atlantic storm of the season, Ernesto, is likely to strengthen and become a major hurricane in the next couple of days, potentially approaching Bermuda by Saturday. For a storm to be classified as a hurricane, sustained wind speeds must reach 74 mph, with major hurricanes requiring at least 111 mph.

Over 500,000 residences and businesses in Puerto Rico are currently without power, based on LUMA Energy's reports. Essential services such as hospitals and water facilities are prioritized for power restoration. The hurricane center also warned about potential floods and mudslides in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, urging residents to stay safe. Schools and many government offices are closed, with rain forecasts predicting up to 10 inches for southeastern Puerto Rico.

(With inputs from agencies.)