Ernesto, which started the day as a tropical storm, is now a hurricane as it gains strength over the Caribbean, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The hurricane is pummeling Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with heavy rain and strong winds on Wednesday, which will cause “considerable” flash floods and mudslides, NHC said.
Ernesto is expected to strengthen further as it makes its way to Bermuda by Saturday. Projections show it could become a Category 3 hurricane later in the week.
Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi has mobilized the National Guard and is urging residents to take shelter in their homes.
RELATED STORY | NOAA expects ‘extraordinary’ 2024 Atlantic hurricane season
At the same time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said its disaster fund has already run out of money, according to CNN. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had warned a few months ago that this was imminent.
FEMA is asking Congress to pass a $9 billion supplemental request. Congress is, however, out of session until September.
This is the second year in a row that FEMA has run out of money before the height of hurricane season. Officials blame the funding problem on an increase in disasters and severity due to climate change.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, which authorizes DHS and FEMA to coordinate relief efforts.
Swells generated by Ernesto are expected to reach the East Coast by the end of the week and into the weekend, which are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip conditions, NHC said. Surfers and beach goers should beware.
RELATED STORY | What is the difference between a tropical storm and hurricane?
