Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthened slightly while passing over the Lesser Antilles this morning.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, as at 8am, maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 km/h with higher gusts.

Additional strengthening is expected during the next few days, and Ernesto could reach hurricane strength by Thursday.

On the forecast track, Ernesto is expected to move across portions of the Leeward Islands this morning and near or over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this evening.

After passing Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Ernesto is forecast to turn northward over the western Atlantic.