As Tropical Storm Ernesto gets closer to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico authorities and citizens alike have begun to prepare for the worst. According to multiple reports, 18 mph winds are heading east as well as up to 10 inches of torrential rain. The rain is expected to create significant flooding and has already caused mudslides in the Leeward Islands as it continues to inch towards PR.
The National Hurricane Center believes the tropical storm could escalate into a hurricane by this Friday. Jamie Rhome, the NHC’s Deputy Director said, “If you’re in those areas, you need to go ahead and get prepared for a potential for hurricane conditions”.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Pedro Pierluisi has taken these warnings seriously and has made arrangements for the National Guard to be activated as well as opening up shelters on Monday. He also announced that the first day of public-school classes would be canceled due to the storm. Even though the storm likely won’t become a hurricane until after it hits Puerto Rico, he is still playing it safe.
The brunt of the storm is expected to hit PR on Wednesday before it worsens and moves north toward Bermuda.
