Tropical Storm Ernesto has formed east of the Leeward Islands

Published: Updated:

The Weather Authority is tracking Tropical Storm Ernesto as it approaches the Atlantic.

According to the Tuesday National Hurricane Center 2 p.m. advisory, Ernesto is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane by mid-week.

It is expected to impact land as a tropical storm.

The system has sustained winds of 60 mph and is moving west-northwest at 18 miles an hour.

A hurricane watch is in effect for:

  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Vieques and Culebra

A tropical storm warning is in effect for:

  • Guadeloupe
  • St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, and Anguilla
  • Saba and St. Eustatius
  • St. Martin and St. Barthelemy
  • Sint Maarten
  • British Virgin Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Puerto Rico
  • Vieques
  • Culebra

Its westward motion is expected to continue with some decrease in forward speed during the next couple of days.

The system is expected to be well east of Florida but will bring greater surf and rip currents to the state.

It is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by mid-week, heading into the Atlantic.

The storm is not expected to impact Florida directly.

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