Hurricane could pass near Puerto Rico later this week: What to expect

The tropical Atlantic is certainly not taking it easy this season as Hurricane Elsa - the fifth named storm of the Atlantic season - gains momentum, with authorities warning it may pose a threat to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica. The hurricane is expected to strengthen as it moves closer to Puerto Rico, which is expected to experience tropical-storm conditions with high winds, rain, and dangerous surf. Current models predict Elsa could hit Puerto Rico directly or pass to its north as early as Wednesday and then move near or over parts of Hispaniola and Cuba on later this week. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that small fluctuations in the forecast track and intensity remain possible, and people in the aforementioned areas should remain vigilant and stay updated on the storm’s latest developments. Elsa is the earliest fifth named storm from the Atlantic Ocean on record, so it’s likely that we could see the number of named storms surpassing the seasonal average of 12, making it vital for people to take all necessary precautions to stay safe during this storm season.