Category 1 Hurricane Previously Had Maximum Winds Of 70 Mph

Tropical Storm Ernesto Downgraded to Depression as It Moves Inland

Category 1 Hurricane Previously Had Maximum Winds of 70 MPH

Track the Storm's Path with Maps and Models

Tropical Storm Ernesto has gradually weakened down to a tropical depression as it has moved into inland. As of 8 am Wednesday, forecasters said Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, just shy of the 74 mph threshold for a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is expected to continue weakening as it moves further inland.

Ernesto was the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. It formed on August 13th as a tropical depression and quickly strengthened into a tropical storm. The storm made landfall in Puerto Rico on Tuesday as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing heavy rain and wind to the island.

Ernesto is the first hurricane to make landfall in Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria in 2017. Maria was a Category 4 hurricane that caused widespread damage and power outages across the island. Ernesto is not expected to be as strong as Maria, but it still has the potential to cause significant damage.

Residents in the path of Ernesto are urged to take precautions and follow the instructions of local officials. Stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings, and have an evacuation plan in place if necessary.

Conclusion

As Ernesto continues to weaken and move inland, it is important to remember that it still has the potential to cause significant damage. Residents in the storm's path should take precautions and follow the instructions of local officials. By staying informed and prepared, communities can help to mitigate the impact of Ernesto and keep their citizens safe.