ORLANDO, Fla. — Read the latest updates about Hurricane Ernesto from Severe Weather Center 9 below:
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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.
7:42 p.m. update
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6 p.m. update
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Buildings sit along the coast line as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida A block wall, knocked over from storm surge, blocks a road near homes in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida Storm surge breaks over a small sea wall near boat docks, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla. Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning.(AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Florida National Guard vehicles drive through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Surf crashes against a dock a high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
13-year-old dies after tree falls into home in Florida
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Buildings sit along the coast line as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, people look out onto a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Wind and rain kicked up by Hurricane Debby blow through a street on August 05, 2024 in Chiefland, Florida. Hurricane Debby is bringing rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: People walk through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: People walk through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A street is flooded as the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Joey Larsen checks on his neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person walks through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: High winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate a neighborhood on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Joey Larsen checks on his neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person walks through a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Jaiden Skinner (L) and Nani Hicks check on their neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: A person looks on at a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida A vehicle is partially submerged in water near the intersection of Phoenix Avenue and Shore Boulevard, Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, in Oldsmar Fla., as Hurricane Debby passed the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Jefferee Woo//Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida City workers prepare to haul and cut a tree that fell down near the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Dartmouth Avenue, Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, in Oldsmar Fla., as Hurricane Debby passed the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Jefferee Woo//Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida Elizabeth Baker and Kobe Crum, of Tarpon Springs, walk along the seawall and sidewalk along Spring Bayou at Craig Park in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Monday morning, Aug 5, 2024, as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Douglas R. Clifford/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida Kim Paul, 60, and her dog, Diesel, in front of their Shore Acres residence, as floodwaters reaches nearly halfway up her driveway, Monday morning, Aug 5, 2024, as Hurricane Debby passed the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Dylan Townsend/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida Carter Grooms, 25, of Tampa, wades through the streets in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg, Fla., Monday morning, Aug 5, 2024, as Hurricane Debby passed the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Dylan Townsend/AP)
Tropical Weather Debby Florida Storm chasers check the wind speed near a home on the Gulf of Mexico Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla. Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Debby A tractor trailer dangles from a bridge on Interstate 75 near Tampa, Fla., early Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. The driver was killed. The truck’s cab broke off and dropped into the Tampa Bypass Canal. Sheriff’s office divers located the 64-year-old man from New Albany, Mississippi in the cab 40 feet below the surface, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.(Florida Highway Patrol via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Storm Debby The cab of a tractor trailer is raised from a bridge on Interstate 75 near Tampa, Fla., early Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, after the truck collided with a concrete wall, flipped over the wall, and was left dangling from the bridge. The driver was killed. The truck’s cab broke off and dropped into the Tampa Bypass Canal. Sheriff’s office divers located the 64-year-old man from New Albany, Mississippi in the cab 40 feet below the surface, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. (Florida Highway Patrol via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Debby CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Wind and rain kicked up by Hurricane Debby blow through a hotel parking lot on August 05, 2024 in Chiefland, Florida. Hurricane Debby is bringing rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street from the rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a Florida National Guard vehicle drives through a flooded street from the rain and storm surge caused by Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: In an aerial view, a person walks next to a flooded street caused by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Tropical Weather Florida A bench is submerged in water near the R.E. Olds Park, Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, in Oldsmar Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Jefferee Woo//Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A man walks through storm surge on the flooded road into Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024. Hurricane Debby made landfall early this morning. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A BMW sedan is stalled in high water along southbound US Alt 19 in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Monday morning, Aug 5, 2024, as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Douglas R. Clifford/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida Flood water blocks a section of Dodecanese Blvd at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Monday morning, Aug 5, 2024, in Tarpon Springs, Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Douglas R. Clifford/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida Water almost reaches houses along Shore Drive East near R.E. Olds Park, Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, in Oldsmar Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Jefferee Woo//Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Jefferee Woo/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A vehicle is disabled in the flood water along S. 22nd street, Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024 in Tampa, Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. ( (Luis Santana//Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A driver negotiates a flooded street in the Shore Acres area Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Max Chesnes/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida Flooding is seen near homes as The Don CeSar looms in the background Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Fla., as Hurricane Debby passes the Tampa Bay area offshore. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Max Chesnes/AP)
Tropical Weather This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 8:11 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm over northern Florida, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Debby makes landfall in northern Florida as Category 1 storm A man takes photos of the surf pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby as they break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Debby The surf pushed by winds from then Tropical Storm Debby break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 8:16 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Debby, lower left, a Category 1 storm over northern Florida, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Coast Guard rescues boaters after sailboat damaged during Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Florida A pedestrian wades across a flooded street as a result of Tropical Storm Debby in the Shore Acres area of St. Petersburg, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Max Chesnes/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida Floodwaters cover parts of the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg, Fla., as a result of Tropical Storm Debby Sunday afternoon, Aug. 4, 2024. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Dylan Townsend/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A man takes photos of the surf, pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby, break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A man takes photos of a construction crew attempting to remove equipment as surf pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A man struggles to secure construction equipment against of the surf, pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby, in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida A man takes photos of the surf pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby as they break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida A driver negotiates a flooded street as Tropical Storm Debby passes just to the west of the Tampa Bay, Fla., region, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Max Chesnes/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida Mabrey Shaffmaster, left, carries her nephew, Arlo Hoggard, 3, left, as her sister, Morgan Hoggard, carries nine-month-old son Ace Hoggard through a flooded street as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida on on Sunday, Aug 4, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Fla. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Douglas R. Clifford/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida A vehicle drives through a flooded street as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida, on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 in Gulfport, Fla. (Dylan Townsend/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Dylan Townsend/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida Landon Stanley pulls his friends Jakob Jackson and Emerson Porcelli-Wilson in the waters flooding the streets from Tropical Storm Debby on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 in Tampa, Fla. (Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Luis Santana/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida The surf pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Storm Florida Visitors to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks navigate a flooded street on Sunday, Aug 4, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Fla., as Tropical Storm Debby stirs moisture offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Douglas R. Clifford/AP)
TORMENTAS Gente camina por una playa mientras la tormenta tropical Debby avanza por el Golfo de México hacia Florida el 4 de agosto de 2024 en Hollywood, Florida. (WPLG vía AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida Palm trees blow in the breeze as a trio of fishermen take advantage of the favorable weather conditions along Suncoast Key in Ozello, Fla., before Tropical Storm Debby makes landfall on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather Florida A trio of fishermen take advantage of the favorable weather conditions along Suncoast Key in Ozello, Fla., before Tropical Storm Debby makes landfall on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara/AP)
Tropical Weather This satellite image provided by NOAA shows Tropical Storm Debby as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Hurricane Debby causes flooding in Citrus County.
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby The docks at Indian Mound Park are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County closes the road leading into Caspersen Beach due to erosion. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road on Siesta Key is covered during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Manasota Key Road near Blind Pass Beach is underwater and closed. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road on Siesta Key is covered during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Crews reported that most roads in Siesta Key are underwater. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Sarasota County Government shuts down North Casey Key Road during Tropical Storm Debby. (Sarasota County Government/Sarasota County Government)
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Lee County deputies are patrolling roads during Tropical Storm Debby. (Lee County Sheriff's Office/Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby Roads are flooded in Charlotte County due to Tropical Storm Debby. (Charlotte County Sheriff's Office /Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Seminole County Tropical Storm Debby Longwood neighborhood Shadowbay is seeing standing water. (WFTV Staff/WFTV)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
Tropical Storm Debby North Beach Road is closed at the Sarasota County line. (Charlotte County Emergency Management /Charlotte County Emergency Management)
11:14 a.m. update
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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.
Ernesto expected to become a hurricane as it brings heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico
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
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