Tropical storm Ernesto moves into Caribbean

Tropical storm Ernesto dumped heavy rain on islands at the eastern entrance to Caribbean on Friday, crossing into the sea on a path that could take it to Jamaica and Mexico.

Tropical storm Ernesto dumped heavy rain on islands at the eastern entrance to Caribbean on Friday, crossing into the sea on a path that could take it to Jamaica and Mexico.

HT Image

Dominica closed its international airport for a second day, while St Lucia ordered businesses to close for half the day. 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 U.S. National Hurricane Center said Ernesto was about 315 miles (505 kilometers) south of San Juan, Puerto Rico, late Friday.

It was moving westward at 18 mph (30 kph) and was expected to approach Jamaica on Sunday and strengthen into a hurricane by Monday.