As of 11 AM AST on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Tropical Storm Ernesto has moved past Antigua and the northern Leeward Islands, leaving a trail of heavy rain and strong winds.
The storm, now located about 155 miles southeast of St. Croix, has intensified with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
Antigua and Barbuda, along with neighbouring islands including St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat, remain under a Tropical Storm Warning as Ernesto continues its west-northwestward trajectory at 18 mph.
While the centre of the storm has passed, residents are still experiencing tropical storm conditions.
Key impacts for Antigua and the Leeward Islands include:
- Rainfall: The storm is dumping 4 to 6 inches of rain across the region, with some areas potentially receiving higher amounts. This poses a significant risk of flash flooding and mudslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous areas.
- Wind: Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from Ernesto’s centre, affecting a wide swath of the Leeward Islands. A wind gust of 65 mph was reported on St. Barthélemy, indicating the strength of winds in the area.
- Storm Surge: While the immediate threat of storm surge has passed for Antigua, coastal areas throughout the Leeward Islands may still experience higher-than-normal water levels and dangerous surf conditions.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service advises residents to remain cautious as the storm moves away.
Lingering rain bands and gusty winds are expected to continue throughout the day, and the risk of flooding remains high due to saturated ground and possible debris-clogged drainage systems.
Further north, the British Virgin Islands are now under a Hurricane Watch, as Ernesto is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by early Wednesday.
As Ernesto moves towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, authorities in Antigua and across the Leeward Islands are beginning to assess any damage and respond to emergency situations.
Residents are urged to stay tuned to local news and weather updates, and to follow guidance from emergency management officials.
The passage of Ernesto serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing hurricane season, and officials are encouraging all residents in the Caribbean to review and update their emergency preparedness plans.
