Storm track could change, but Ernesto currently targeting Maritimes

This story is based on a dated forecast. Read an up-to-date forecast describing Hurricane Ernesto's shift to a more eastern path here.

Tropical storm Ernesto, currently growing in strength east of Puerto Rico and forecast to become a hurricane, is expected to turn north on a path that could include the Maritimes.

This is still a very early forecast, said CBC meteorologist Tina Simpkin.

"That track could change, but right now it does take it brushing by, at least, the Nova Scotia coastline, and that would put P.E.I. in the track for some high winds and some heavy rains," said Simpkin.

"We definitely need to keep an eye on this one. This is the first time so far this year we've had a track that takes it near us."

The Canadian Hurricane Centre currently forecasts Ernesto to be south of Nova Scotia late Sunday evening, but does not yet forecast any further out. As the forecast stands, any impact of the storm would be likely to hit Monday.

Ernesto is forecast to peak as a category 3 hurricane as it travels north. As it approaches Canada's east coast, cooler northern waters will probably reduce Ernesto below hurricane strength, but it will still likely be a coherent storm if it hits the Maritimes, said Simpkin.

It would be prudent, she said, to prepare for the storm, but it is too early to sound alarms.