The National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida reports that the tropical disturbance that is moving west to the Leeward islands in the Caribbean is developing into a tropical storm and is expected to become a hurricane category this week. A tropical storm watch has already been issued for Puerto Rico.
Most forecasts have the storm taking a northward track as it passes the Dominican Republic on its way to the United States. This storm will be the fifth named storm of the 2024 hurricane season.
Current estimates say that the future named storm Ernesto will form either just before it reaches the northern Leeward Islands or just as reaches these small islands.
Mike Fisher, of DR1 Weather is following the storm closely for DR1 readers and issuing timely reports in DR1 Forums. All in the Dominican Republic should have completed preparations to face a storm: vehicle with fuel, batteries/ inverter / power plant fuel, canned food and water, pruning of trees, identification of possible evacuation routes and safe shelter.
According to different models, later this week (reference: Mr.Weatherman.com on YouTube), the westward track of Ernesto will take the storm very close to the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet, formerly Onamet) is keeping a close watch on this tropical disturbance and will be issuing advisories as the path of the storm becomes more defined.
In its Monday, 12 August 2024 weather update, Indomet forecasts heavy rains will be felt as of Wednesday. Areas expected to be most affected include Puerto Plata, Espaillat, Hermanas Mirabal, Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, El Seibo, La Altagracia, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, and Greater Santo Domingo.
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12 August 2024