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Tropical Storm Ernesto moves into Caribbean
This NOAA satellite image taken Friday, Aug. 03, 2012, at 1:45 a.m. EDT shows Tropical Storm Ernesto just 90 miles east of St. Lucia. This system continues moving west at 22 mph at tropical storm strength with winds up to 50 mph. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Barbados, St. Vincent, The Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Expect heavy rains and strong winds in these areas. To the north, a strong tropical wave brings widespread showers and thunderstorms to the Bahamas and Cuba, which moves westward into southern Florida. This system kicks up scattered showers and thunderstorms as it slowly moves westward. (AP Photo/Weather Underground)
ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto dumped heavy rain on islands at the eastern entrance to Caribbean on Friday, crossing into the sea on a path that could take it to Jamaica and Mexico.
Dominica closed its international airport for a second day, while St. Lucia ordered businesses to close for half the day. A ferry that travels to Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia also temporarily suspended service.
No damage or flooding was reported on islands affected by the storm. Gusts of up to 50 mph (85 kph) were reported in some areas.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Ernesto was about 315 miles (505 kilometers) south of San Juan, Puerto Rico, late Friday.
It was moving westward at 18 mph (30 kph) and was expected to approach Jamaica on Sunday and strengthen into a hurricane by Monday.
(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
