Tropical Storm Ernesto Becomes Hurricane, Continues to Intensify

The National Hurricane Centre reported that Tropical Storm Ernesto has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is currently located approximately 175 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, after passing over the Virgin Islands on Tuesday. Ernesto is moving northwest at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

The storm is expected to move into open Atlantic waters later today and could strengthen into a major hurricane. Forecasts suggest it could reach Category 3 status by the end of the week, with Bermuda potentially facing impacts.

In Belize, moist and unstable conditions will persist, but are expected to decrease over the next 24 to 48 hours. The forecast includes cloudy periods with a few showers and thunderstorms, gradually diminishing.