Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands before strengthening into a hurricane.

Tropical Storm Ernesto She was en route to the Virgin Islands Tuesday afternoon., It gained strength as it swirled in the Atlantic Ocean, just days after Debbie Ernesto has completed its journey along the U.S. East Coast. Ernesto is expected to make landfall near or over the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Tuesday evening. become a hurricane As it passed northeast of Puerto Rico later tonight, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of 5pm ET, Meteorologists said Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving at 18 mph. It was forecast to approach or over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands by Tuesday evening and move northeast and north of Puerto Rico on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the United States, British Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra. A tropical storm warning is in effect for St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and Anguilla, as well as St. Maarten, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, the United States, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques and Culebra.

Meteorologists expect the storm to strengthen into a hurricane by late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

“Rain is going to be a much bigger player than wind” when it comes to Ernesto, said CBS News senior weather producer David Parkinson.

The storm is expected to drop 4 to 6 inches of rain over the Leeward and Virgin Islands, and 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum of 10 inches over Puerto Rico. Storm surges could rise to 3 feet, creating “large and destructive waves.” The Leeward Islands could also experience “significant flash flooding and mudslides,” the NHC said.

“Some models suggest a potential 1-foot rise in water levels given the terrain, so higher totals cannot be ruled out,” Parkinson said. “The United States remains out of the danger zone for direct impacts, but strong currents and larger waves will be a concern along the East Coast.”

Ernesto is the fifth named storm so far this Atlantic hurricane season, which has already proven to be Historically, after Beryl reached record strength, Early in the season, temperatures were above average in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal season, with 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.

The fifth named storm usually does not occur until August 22According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.