Tropical Storm Ernesto will soon turn into a hurricane as it approaches Puerto Rico, prompting officials to take precautionary measures. Late Tuesday, the storm was positioned just 60 miles (95 kilometres) east-northeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami issued a warning for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the smaller Puerto Rican islands, which are popular tourist destinations.

In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, Puerto Rican authorities closed schools, opened shelters, and activated the National Guard. Governor Pedro Pierluisi urged residents to be indoors by early evening as heavy rains and strong winds began to batter the island. The Department of Natural Resources took special precautions, moving the endangered Puerto Rico Amazon parrots into hurricane-proof rooms to protect them from the impending storm.

Ernesto is forecasted to become a hurricane overnight as it continues on a northwest path toward Bermuda. The storm’s trajectory has raised concerns, particularly in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the National Weather Service warned of potential changes in the storm’s path as it nears Puerto Rico. As a result, residents in flood-prone areas and older citizens received last-minute assistance from emergency crews across the island.

Heavy rains have already caused disruptions, with the ocean around Puerto Rico churning into a milky turquoise colour. Local residents, like José Rodríguez from the Afro-Caribbean community of Piñones, have been rushing to secure their homes and businesses. Rodríguez, who was seen securing the roof of his uncle’s wooden shack, expressed hope that the storm would pass quickly, minimizing damage to the area.

After brushing past Puerto Rico, Ernesto is expected to move into open waters, heading toward Bermuda, where it could pose further threats. The storm moved over the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday night and is projected to be near Bermuda by Friday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center’s forecast indicates that Ernesto could continue to strengthen as it moves further away from Puerto Rico.

Authorities remain vigilant, monitoring the storm’s progression and preparing for any changes in its intensity or direction. As Tropical Storm Ernesto looms, the Caribbean islands are on high alert, with emergency response teams ready to act if the storm escalates further.

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