Tropical Storm Ernesto churns toward Jamaica
ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto churned over open waters early today on a path toward Jamaica and Mexico after dumping heavy rain on islands in the eastern Caribbean.
The US National Hurricane Center said Ernesto was expected to approach Jamaica on Sunday and strengthen into a hurricane on Monday on a route that would take it to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by mid-week.
On Friday, Dominica closed its international airport for a second day, while St Lucia ordered businesses to close for half the day as Ernesto swept through the area. 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 hurricane center said Ernesto was about 795 miles (1,280 kilometers) east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, late yesterday and was moving westward at 18 mph (30 kph).
