Hurricane Ernesto Update: Storm Could Reach Category 3 Status

Hurricane Ernesto, which strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday, continues to batter Puerto Rico with torrential rain and fierce winds. As the third hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season, Ernesto is on track to potentially become the second major hurricane of the year, defined as a Category 3 or stronger storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Currently, Ernesto poses no threat to the continental U.S. However, forecasts indicate the storm may escalate to Category 3 status by Friday as it veers northward towards Bermuda. The hurricane center predicts Ernesto could peak with winds reaching 115 mph within 48 hours, though it may start to weaken thereafter.

The official forecast track suggests Ernesto will pass very close to or over Bermuda this weekend, though it may not maintain major hurricane status.

As of 1 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Ernesto's center was situated approximately 225 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 805 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest at 16 mph. The storm currently has winds of 75 mph, categorizing it as a Category 1 hurricane.

Tropical storm warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have been lifted. However, a hurricane watch for Bermuda might be issued later today. On its projected path, Ernesto will move away from Puerto Rico and head towards Bermuda, with potential impacts expected by Friday and Saturday.

Forecasters anticipate Ernesto could bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to the Virgin Islands and 6 to 8 inches to parts of southeastern Puerto Rico. Additionally, the storm's effects are generating large waves and rip currents, which could affect the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast by late Thursday into Friday.

Currently, no other weather systems are under observation for development. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.