(Miami, FL) -- The National Hurricane Center says the storm system Ernesto is now a Category 1 Hurricane. Ernesto is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour.
Almost half of Puerto Rico and more than 90 percent of the Virgin Islands are without power. Significant flooding is also expected across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The storm isn't expected to hit the U.S. mainland as it heads north up the Atlantic Ocean, which is welcome news for some states that are still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby.
Strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Ernesto could become a major hurricane by Friday. The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Watch for Bermuda.