Tropical System East of Antigua Expected to Become Tropical Storm Ernesto

U.S. Prime Press; A tropical system east of Antigua is forecast to develop into Tropical Storm Ernesto by Monday night, potentially skirting past Puerto Rico by midweek.

Possible Tropical Storm Ernesto in the Atlantic

A tropical disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean is projected to evolve into Tropical Storm Ernesto on Monday night, which could bring swells and increase the risk of rip currents along Florida’s East Coast beaches later this week.

On Sunday, the National Hurricane Center issued advisories for this storm, identifying it as Potential Tropical Storm 5. The current track forecast shows the system, located several hundred miles east-southeast of Antigua, becoming a tropical storm by Monday night and possibly a hurricane by Wednesday evening.

Impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

The storm is expected to move near or over Puerto Rico by Wednesday as it turns northward into the Atlantic. However, the National Hurricane Center cautions that the forecast tracks for potential tropical cyclones are less certain than usual due to the initial uncertainty in the storm’s center position.

Residents and visitors in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are urged to monitor the storm closely over the coming days.

No Impact Expected for the Gulf Coast

Forecasters believe that residents along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Texas will likely not be affected by the storm, according to the National Weather Service office in Lake Charles, Louisiana. However, increasing swells along Florida’s coast could heighten the risk of dangerous rip currents later in the week.

Recent Storm Activity and Future Predictions

This storm arises just days after Tropical Storm Debby brought flooding and strong winds to the Carolinas and much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. On Sunday, meteorologists noted that the tropical disturbance seemed to be organizing more rapidly than expected due to a lack of wind shear—winds blowing in different directions.

Provided By National Hurricane Center

“If the system east of the Caribbean develops into a tropical depression, characterized by wind speeds up to 38 mph, it could progress to a tropical storm with winds between 39 to 73 mph. At that point, the storm would be named Ernesto and could continue to strengthen into a hurricane,” said Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Above-Average Hurricane Season Likely

This potential tropical storm is part of what is likely to be an above-average hurricane season. Just days ago, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) raised the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 90%.

NOAA’s updated seasonal outlook now predicts 17 to 24 named storms, with 8 to 13 expected to become hurricanes. These numbers include the four storms that have already formed this year, including the deadly Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Debby.

In addition to NOAA’s forecast, Colorado State University storm trackers have also revised their predictions, now expecting a total of 23 named storms, with 12 of those becoming hurricanes, including 6 major hurricanes.

Direction of the Tropical Disturbance

As of Sunday, the tropical disturbance was moving westward towards the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Residents in these areas are advised to keep monitoring the storm’s development. Meteorologists caution that beyond midweek, the storm’s exact path remains uncertain—whether it will head towards the southeastern U.S. or move towards the northeast coast is still unclear.

“A lot depends on exactly how the storm forms,” said Taylor, noting there’s also a possibility that the storm could veer away from the U.S.

Tropical Storm Debby brings heavy rainfall and flooding to the East Coast.

U.S. Prime Press; Meteorologists expect heavy rainfall and flooding in many states. Tropical Storm Debby is causing heavy rains and floods along the East Coast. The National Hurricane Center’s Wednesday advisory predicts heavy rain through Thursday. This is especially true for eastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. This prolonged rainfall is likely to expand areas of “considerable flooding.”

Impact on the Carolinas and beyond

The Piedmont region of the Carolinas is expecting flooding. It lies between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Some areas in the Mid-Atlantic states and Vermont may flood through Saturday morning. The National Hurricane Center warns of the situation’s severity. It urges residents to stay alert.

Miguel J. Rodríguez Carrillo, Getty Images

Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches

Conditions from Tropical Storm Debby are spreading along the southern Atlantic coast. They will affect areas from South Carolina to North Carolina through Thursday. As a result, some areas now have tropical storm warnings and watches. Residents in these areas should stay informed and heed warnings from local officials.

Dangerous storm surges.

Heavy rain may cause a “dangerous” storm surge along the South Carolina coast, from the Santee River to Cape Fear. The National Hurricane Center issued the warning. Coastal residents should prepare for high water levels. Follow any evacuation orders or safety advice.

Tropical Storm Debby path. National Hurricane Center, NOAA

Visual Impact of Tropical Storm Debby

Photos from affected areas show the devastation of Tropical Storm Debby. Flooded streets and downed trees show the storm’s power. Residents must stay safe and avoid flooded areas.

Stay safe and informed.

The National Hurricane Center advises affected residents. Follow local officials’ guidance for your safety. Staying informed through reliable sources can help you navigate these challenging weather conditions.

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