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| 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. |
ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) -- Tropical Storm Ernesto is dumping heavy rain across the eastern Caribbean as it heads west toward Jamaica and Mexico.
Dominica closed its international airport for a second day on Friday, while St. Lucia ordered businesses to close for half the day. A ferry that travels to Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia also has temporarily suspended service.
No damage or flooding has been reported on islands affected by the storm. Gusts of up to 63 mph (101 kph) were reported in some areas.
The National Hurricane Center said Ernesto was located about 210 miles (335 kilometers) west of St. Lucia by late afternoon with top sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph).
It is moving at 21 mph (33 kph) and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Monday.
