(NEW YORK) -- Tropical Storm Ernesto is taking aim at Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.
On Tuesday, Ernesto will move through the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. By Tuesday night, Ernesto will approach the Greater Antilles, including Puerto Rico.
The storm is forecast to pass over or very close to the eastern end of Puerto Rico on Wednesday, bringing gusty winds, heavy rain and flash flooding.
Up to 10 inches of rain is possible in some areas.
After Ernesto clears Puerto Rico late Wednesday, it's expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves north, toward Bermuda.
By Saturday, Ernesto is forecast to strengthen to a strong Category 2 or low-end Category 3 hurricane.
This weekend, Ernesto is expected to bring rough surf and rip currents to the East Coast, from Florida to the Northeast, but the storm isn't forecast to make landfall on the U.S. mainland.