Tropical Storm Ernesto Intensifies, Heads for Puerto Rico

Storm to Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds

National Hurricane Center Predicts Hurricane Status

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Tropical Storm Ernesto intensified into a hurricane Tuesday night, the National Hurricane Center reported. The storm was expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before moving toward the Bahamas.

Ernesto's tropical storm-force winds extended well beyond its center, delivering gusty conditions to a wide area. The storm is expected to continue strengthening as it approaches Puerto Rico.

Tropical Storm Ernesto is the second named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. The storm formed off the coast of Africa and crossed the Atlantic Ocean, gaining strength as it approached the Caribbean.