Winds of Tropical Storm Ernesto Intensify Close to Hurricane Strength
San Juan, Puerto Rico experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall as the eye of Tropical Storm Ernesto passed within a distance of 40 miles.
LUMA, a service provider, reported that over 300,000 customers were left without electricity in Puerto Rico.
By Wednesday morning, the storm had moved away from Puerto Rico and was approaching hurricane strength with sustained winds of 70 mph. Hurricane-level winds start at 74 mph.
Culebra island, located east of Puerto Rico, recorded sustained winds of 68 mph with gusts up to 86 mph. A METAR Observation Station at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico logged sustained winds of 48 mph and gusts of 74 mph.
Tropical storm warnings were put in place for Puerto Rico, while a hurricane watch was issued for the British Virgin Islands.
MORE: Tropical Storm Ernesto to bring rain, flooding to Puerto Rico: Path
Governor Pedro Pierluisi of Puerto Rico advised residents to remain indoors from Tuesday evening onward, as tropical storm-force winds were expected to hit the island. Some areas could see up to 10 inches of rainfall.
Parts of Puerto Rico were under a flash-flood warning early Wednesday morning due to heavy rainfall causing flash flooding. The inclement weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, is set to persist into the afternoon as Ernesto moves away.
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