UNITED STATES - Torrential rain recently hit Puerto Rico yesterday, August 14, as Hurricane Ernesto ran through the U.S. territory, threatening to become a major storm as it makes its route to Bermuda.

According to reports from ABC 30, Ernesto is forecast to soon strengthen into a major hurricane, with its center expected to pass near Bermuda on Saturday. As the storm makes this pass, forecasters have also warned of heavy swells along the East Coast of the United States. Roughly 4 to 6 inches of rain is expected in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands through the week, and 6 to 8 inches in Puerto Rico, with up to 10 inches in isolated areas.

According to the source, when the hurricane hit Puerto Rico, it was over open water about 720 miles (1,160 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) and moving northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).

"Residents need to prepare now before conditions worsen," Bermuda's National Security Minister Michael Weeks said. "Now is not the time for complacency."

ANUK will continue to monitor this storm and any potential impacts on the East Coast produce industry, so be on the lookout for our next update.