Ernesto takes a deadly turn

Ernesto unexpectedly jogged northward last night while strengthening to hurricane strength, and will shortly brush or make landfall in Haiti. This situation developed overnight and likely took Haiti completely by surprise. Even a weak storm can cause deadly flash flooding on Haiti's deforested slopes, and Ernesto is already at hurricane strength and is still strengthening pretty rapidly. The death toll from Ernesto in Haiti will easily reach the hundreds, and may even be in the thousands. I would expect Ernesto's name to be retired after this year.