Tropical Depression (TD)5 has become Tropical Storm Ernesto, the fifth tropical system of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, about 295 miles East of the Windward Islands with Maximum Sustained Winds of 50 MPH and a minimum central pressure of 1006 Millibars or 29.71 Inches. Ernesto could strengthen slightly as it passes through the Windward Islands but is expected to stay below hurricane strength as it passes through the Windward islands. Ernesto may reach hurricane strength in 4 to 5 days over the Caribbean Sea. Current models show potential for Ernesto to move into the Gulf of Mexico next week.
See our Tropical Weather Situation Summary for the latest graphics