As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, several Caribbean islands were placed under a tropical storm watch on Monday due to a new disturbance that could soon be named Tropical Storm Ernesto.
This potential storm is emerging during an already turbulent season, marked by “near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The islands newly added to the watch list include Antigua, Barbuda, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and St. Maarten. The disturbance, currently referred to as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five, is located 645 miles east-southeast of Antigua and is moving west-northwest at 25 mph.
NOAA predicts an above-normal hurricane season, with Caribbean islands under new tropical storm watch.While it is not expected to hit the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are already under a watch, with forecasts predicting heavy rain, flash flooding, and storm surges of up to 3 feet.
NOAA’s updated seasonal forecast predicts an “above normal” tropical storm season with 17-21 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes.
This is well above the average season, which typically sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. So far, the Atlantic has seen four named storms: Alberto, Chris, Beryl, and Debby.
Hurricane Debby, the most recent storm, became the fourth named storm of the year, causing significant damage in Florida and South Carolina, with at least eight fatalities reported.
As the season progresses into its peak months of August and September, experts warn that the combination of warm ocean temperatures and the development of La Niña could lead to further storm formation and intensification.
Communities in the Caribbean are urged to remain vigilant as the potential Tropical Storm Ernesto approaches, bringing with it the threat of severe weather conditions.