Tropical Storm Ernesto drenches northeast Caribbean and takes aim at Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Ernesto battered the northeast Caribbean today as it took aim at Puerto Rico, where officials shuttered schools and government agencies.

The storm was located about 300 miles (480 kilometers) east-southeast of Puerto Rico this morning. It had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and was moving west at 18 mph (30 kph).

“It’s not a hurricane, but it will bring heavy rains regardless,” Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said as he urged people to seek shelter by early this evening.

He activated the National Guard as crews across the island visited flood-prone areas and elderly residents as part of last-minute preparations.

Forecasters have warned of widespread flooding and possible landslides, with six to eight inches of rain forecast for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and up to 10 inches in isolated areas. The looming rains come as Puerto Rico faces six reservoirs that already were overflowing ahead of the storm.