Tropical Storm Forecast to Develop and Pass Near USVI, Puerto Rico

The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor a developing tropical wave in the Atlantic. The disturbance is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm and pass near the U.S. Virgin Islands between Tuesday and Wednesday, and territory residents and visitors are urged to stay vigilant.

As of 8 p.m. on Sunday, the NHC explained that the tropical wave, currently called Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, is located approximately 875 miles to the east-southeast of Antigua and moving toward the west-northwest across the Atlantic at approximately 23 mph, packing winds of roughly 30 mph. While the system is not currently well-organized, it is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm over the next day or so, with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph before reaching the USVI. If the storm intensifies into a tropical storm, it will be given the name “Ernesto,” the fifth named cyclone of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.