Tropical Storm Ernesto has developed in the Atlantic Ocean and is heading toward the Caribbean islands, though local weather authorities have stated it poses no immediate threat to Dominica.
Ernesto is the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The storm was officially named late Monday afternoon after a Hurricane Hunter aircraft detected a small, closed low-pressure area east of the Lesser Antilles.
As of just before 5 p.m., Ernesto’s center was located approximately 295 miles east-southeast of Antigua, with winds reaching 40 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm is moving west-northwest at about 28 mph.
The NHC forecasts a slight decrease in its forward speed over the next couple of days as Ernesto continues its path toward the Leeward Islands.
Dominican weather officials have confirmed that the storm is not expected to directly impact Dominica, with its center passing about 150 miles north of the island.
However, heavy rainfall linked to the storm is anticipated to affect Dominica over the next 24 to 48 hours.
A Flood Warning has been issued for the island from 6 PM today until 6 PM Tuesday, August 13th.
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is either imminent or already occurring.
Residents near waterways in Dominica have been advised to stay vigilant and be prepared to move to safety if necessary.
A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect for the following areas:
- St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, and Anguilla
- Guadeloupe
- St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
- Sint Maarten
- British Virgin Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
