Tropical Storm Ernesto batters BVI with rain and winds

Tropical Storm Ernesto, currently moving away from the British Virgin Islands, continues to generate unsettled weather conditions across the territory, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) reported on Wednesday morning.

The territory is still experiencing strong winds and rain, with forecasts predicting overcast skies with showers and thunderstorms throughout the day.

Preliminary reports indicate that residents in areas such as Cane Garden Bay have experienced significant flooding due to Ernesto. The storm has also caused tree damage and flattened trees. Additionally, the territory is facing widespread power outages as a result of the storm.

A full post-storm assessment is yet to be done.

Meanwhile, a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning remain in effect for the British Virgin Islands. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A tropical storm warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected or occurring within the specified area.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to become a hurricane Wednesday morning as it moves north of Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center in the US has said. It added that Ernesto could become a major hurricane “in a couple of days.”

On its current track, the centre of Ernesto will pass to the northeast and north of Puerto Rico through early Wednesday, moving over the western Atlantic later in the week and approaching Bermuda on Friday and Friday night.

Mariners are advised to stay in port, and sea bathers should avoid the beach as seas are rapidly deteriorating, with waves expected to peak near 12 feet as the storm nears and passes the British Virgin Islands tonight. A small craft warning remains in effect.

Residents are urged to monitor Tropical Storm Ernesto’s movement closely and be prepared to take action if necessary to protect life and property.