As the East Coast continues to recover from Hurricane Debby, a potential tropical storm is developing in the Atlantic. Potential Tropical Cyclone Five is quickly gaining strength and is expected to be named Tropical Storm Ernesto by the end of Monday. If it reaches sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, it could become the third hurricane of the season.
The potential cyclone is currently 875 miles east-southeast of Antigua and is moving west-northwest towards several Caribbean islands, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. A 48-hour U.S. tropical storm watch has been issued for islands such as Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, and Antigua, warning of damaging winds, high surf, and potential flooding.
The National Hurricane Center is advising the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico to monitor the potential storm, which could impact them by early Wednesday. The current forecast track shows the cyclone moving into the Caribbean region before turning northward into the Atlantic, avoiding a direct impact on the mainland U.S.
Both the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and Colorado State University have predicted an above-normal storm season, citing extremely warm sea surface temperatures as a factor. The institutions anticipate a high probability of major hurricane landfalls, highlighting the need for residents in at-risk areas to stay informed and prepare for potential impacts from the developing storm.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
