Hurricane Ernesto dumps more than 1 foot of rain on Puerto Rico

ORLANDO, Fla. — Read the latest updates about Hurricane Ernesto from Severe Weather Center 9 below:

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7:42 p.m. update

6 p.m. update

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said that as of 5 p.m., Ernesto is moving away from Puerto Rico after dropping more than a foot of rain on the island.

He said the hurricane will help crank down a weak front for Central Florida on Thursday.

“This will bring less humid weather and overall a dry pattern, starting Friday,” Terry said.

Hurricane Debby: See photos of damage, flooding in Florida

The hurricane, which has maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour, is moving northwest.

Ernesto is forecast to eventually strengthen into a Category 3 storm as it approaches the island of Bermuda.

Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for live updates on Ernesto from Tom Terry in Severe Weather Center 9.

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Hurricane Debby Cedar Key, FL—Cedar Key Fire Rescue said the number four bridge will remain closed until all hazards are removed. Officials said many roads on the island are still underwater. (Cedar Key Fire Rescue/Cedar Key Fire Rescue)

11:14 a.m. update

The announcement came around 11:07 a.m.

Officials said the risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents is expected to increase along the U.S. East Coast beaches this weekend.

Original report

Tropical Storm Ernesto is bringing heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning.

Ernesto is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday as it makes its way past the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Ernesto is producing heavy rainfall on Wednesday, which will result in flash flooding and mudslides in Puerto Rico.

Watch: ‘We are hoping for the best’: Puerto Rico residents prepare for Tropical Storm Ernesto

The storm system will continue to move to the north and pass Bermuda on Friday and Saturday.

Thanks to a front along the east coast of the U.S., Ernesto is forecast to recurve into the Atlantic and remain east of Florida.

Watch: ‘Predicting the Path,’ a Severe Weather Center 9 special

The extended forecast track shows Ernesto will stay out to sea and away from the U.S.

Channel 9 meteorologists will continue to monitor all tropical activity in the Atlantic and provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Watch: Action 9: How to prepare before the storm

Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Brian Shields

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