Tropical Storm Ernesto a little stronger as it impacts Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Ernesto makes way through Caribbean

The newly formed Tropical Storm Ernesto is gathering strength, as FOX 13 Meteorologist Jim Weber takes a look at the storm approaching the Leeward Islands. It is not expected to pose a threat to the U.S. as it is forecasted to stay over the Atlantic after passing Puerto Rico.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tropical Storm Ernesto is impacting the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico as it continues to gather strength, according to the National Hurricane Center.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the Virgin Islands, Vieques, and Culebra.

Ernesto is forecasted to reach Category 2 hurricane status over the Atlantic and could even become a major hurricane under the right conditions, according to FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg.

The storm should take a sharp turn northwest, though, after churning through Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands and stay over open waters in the Atlantic. The only other land Ernesto should move over would be the island of Bermuda.

Heavy rainfall may result in ‘locally considerable’ flash flooding and mudslides in areas of the Leeward Islands through Tuesday and over the Virgin Islands into Puerto Rico by later Tuesday through Wednesday, according to the NHC.

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