As several islands including Jamaica, Carriacou, Petite Martinique clean up from superstorm Beryl last month, the region is once again preparing for possible landfall from another storm as the global community monitors the development of Tropical Storm Ernesto as it barrels its way through the regional island chain this week.
Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands, others as far north as Bermuda in the mid-Atlantic have all issued storm warnings, with authorities suspending classes for public schools in Puerto Rico as the center of Ernesto was headed to the French overseas territories of Guadeloupe, Martinique and nearby islands as of midday Tuesday. Officials in Barbados, Trinidad, Dominica and others in the Windward and some Leeward Islands have discontinued emergency measures as Ernesto packed sustained winds of up to 40 miles power churned its way through the region at nearly 30 miles per hour.
The US National Hurricane Center says the storm can develop into something of concern as the Atlantic waters are warmer than usual and could provide the material it needs to strengthen.
“On the forecast track, Ernesto is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands this morning (Tuesday) and near or over the US and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this evening. After passing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Ernesto is forecast to turn northward over the western Atlantic.”
Meanwhile, Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s Security Minister said that it is still too early to determine when the island that is southeast of the Carolinas will be impacted but the government is not taking any chances. “We urge all residents to begin their storm preparations now. Please ensure that your properties are secure by removing loose debris and outdoor furniture, checking on your neighbors and the elderly to ensure that they are prepared and informed, stocking up on necessary supplies, including medicine, and making arrangements to secure pets. For those with boats, please make arrangements to secure them in advance,” he warned.
Ernesto is the fifth named system for the 2024 storm season so far. The season began in early June and by month end, Beryl had become the first superstorm to have ever formed so early as it lashed Grenada, nearby islands, making its way to Jamaica, the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and dying off in Michigan. Florida was also lashed by Hurricane Debby a week ago. It died over Canada.
American forecasters say that unless there is a major change in behavior, Ernesto is expected to miss Florida and other eastern Seaboard states.
