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Tropical Storm Ernesto forms, warnings issued for several Caribbean islands

By FOX 13 News Staff
Published  August 12, 2024 6:09am EDT
Florida
FOX 13 News

Tampa weather | Hot with few storms

FOX 13 chief meteorologist Paul Dellegatto has the latest forecast along with the track for Tropical Storm Ernesto.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tropical Storm Ernesto formed on Monday, hours after a tropical storm warning was issued for Puerto Rico and nearby Caribbean islands.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the tropical disturbance is gaining strength as it reaches the Leeward Islands, with winds up to 40 mph.

READ: Part of Pass-a-Grille Beach closed, nourishment project paused after Hurricane Debby

Tropical storm conditions could begin on Tuesday for portions of the area, while FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg said every model is forecasting the storm will take a hard turn right (north) to remain well east of Florida.

"Until the storm takes that turn, we never let our guard down," Osterberg said. "But with a trough coming off the east coast, it definitely will act to just turn that storm out, which is fantastic."

According to the NHC, heavy rainfall could lead to considerable flash flooding and mudslides in the Leeward Islands later on Monday through Wednesday and over Puerto Rico late Tuesday into Thursday.

The NHC also says Ernesto could impact Bermuda later this week, but it's too soon to tell as of 11 p.m. Monday.

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