Hurricane Ernesto forms north of Puerto Rico, issues multiple storm watches

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

The Weather Authority is tracking Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 2 storm, as it continues to strengthen near Puerto Rico.

As of the 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Ernesto is moving north at 13 mph, with a turn toward the north-northwest and north are expected throughout the day Wednesday.

It has 100 mph sustained winds with a generally northward motion at a slower forward speed continuing through Saturday.

Ernesto is forecast to continue strengthening and become a major hurricane, Category 3, Thursday night.  

Regardless of strength, Ernesto is forecast to stay far offshore of Florida as it turns to the northeast through the week.

Hurricane conditions are expected on Bermuda Saturday, with tropical storm conditions likely beginning Friday afternoon.

Heavy rain will likely persist across Puerto Rico, which has a risk of flash floods.

Due to Ernesto’s strength and location offshore, drier and slightly cooler air will be pulled into Southwest Florida for the weekend. 

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