Tropical storm Ernesto could reach hurricane strength by Thursday. 

That’s according to the MET Service which gave the update this morning. 

Ernesto is expected to move across sections of the Leeward Islands today and near or over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this evening. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands has issued a hurricane watch. 

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

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 miles per hour with higher gusts.

The MET Service said gradual strengthening is expected during the next few days and Ernesto could reach hurricane strength by Thursday over the waters north of the Greater Antilles.

Tropical storm Ernesto is not a threat to Jamaica.