Looming disaster: Tropical storm Ernesto set to slam Caribbean with destructive winds and torrential rain

Tropical storm Ernesto is forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean areas over the next few days, with warnings issued across the region.

The National Weather Service indicates that Ernesto could strengthen into a hurricane later this week. However, it is not expected to impact the mainland United States, with forecasters closely monitoring its progression.

Ernesto is gaining strength and passing south of St Kitts, with its centre expected to pass near or over the Virgin Islands by Tuesday evening, followed by Puerto Rico overnight into Wednesday.

A weather pattern is steering Ernesto away from the US mainland and slowing its approach towards Bermuda, where it is anticipated to bring hurricane conditions later this week.

Ernesto is the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, forming shortly after Hurricane Debby, which caused significant flooding in the Carolinas and other regions.

Ernesto is predicted to deliver 4 to 10 inches of rain across the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, with the potential for flash flooding and mudslides through Thursday.

In response to Ernesto, Puerto Rico has activated its National Guard and cancelled the start of public school classes, preparing for the storm's heavy rainfall and possible flooding.

Earlier storms in the season, like Beryl—the earliest recorded Category 5 hurricane—have set records, indicating a particularly intense and destructive hurricane season.