BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- THE Federation remains under a Tropical Storm Warning as Tropical Storm Ernesto continues its path over the Leeward Islands today.
In its 8:00 a.m. update, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed that Ernesto has strengthened to 45 mph and has slowed its forward speed as its eye passes over Guadeloupe.
As of the latest report, the center of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near latitude 16.6 North, longitude 61.9 West. Ernesto is further slowing, with its forward speed now down to 18 mph (30 km/h). The NHC expects a west-northwestward motion with a slight decrease in forward speed over the next day or so.
Earlier, the NHC placed the center of TS Ernesto over Guadeloupe. According to the forecast track, Ernesto is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands this morning and approach or pass near the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this evening.
After passing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Ernesto is forecast to turn northward.
The local Met Office has issued a small craft warning, effective until Wednesday. The St. Kitts Met Office has warned that moisture and instability associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto will lead to unstable weather conditions across the region.
Rainfall totals of 101.6 mm to 152.4 mm (4 to 6 inches) are possible. Expect cloudy skies with showers and thunderstorms throughout the day.
