Tropical Storm Ernesto forms in the Atlantic – KTVZ

(CNN) – Tropical Storm Ernesto has formed 474 kilometers (295 miles) east-southeast of Antigua in the Lesser Antilles, according to the advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Ernesto has sustained winds of 64 km/h (40 mph) and is moving west-northwest at 45 km/h (28 mph). Along this track, the storm will move toward the Lesser Antilles early Tuesday and near Puerto Rico late Tuesday into Wednesday.

“Tropical storm surge is expected in the warning area for the Leeward Islands beginning tonight or early Tuesday,” the NHC said. “Tropical storm surge is expected to begin spreading over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Tuesday night.” .”

Early forecasts suggest that Ernesto will not follow Debby’s continental track towards the United States, but instead move north and develop into a hurricane over very warm ocean waters, which could hit Bermuda endanger.

Track of Tropical Storm Ernesto: where it is in real time, where it is going and which countries it threatens

Tropical storm warnings are in place for Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands, a chain of islands in the northeastern Caribbean that includes the British Virgin Islands and the US. These warnings mean that tropical storms will occur soon. Tropical storms have winds of up to 70 miles per hour with stronger gusts and are capable of damaging some structures and downing trees and power lines. More advisories and warnings may be issued in the coming days.

Heavy rain appears to be the biggest threat to the eastern and northern Caribbean this week. In some cases, rain will begin late Monday. Rainfall totals of 10 to 15 centimeters will be widespread, with up to 25 centimeters possible in some parts of Puerto Rico.