 As it strengthened into a tropical storm , Ernesto attained its peak intensity with winds of 40 mph ( 65 km / h ) and a minimum pressure of 1 @,@ 008 mbar ( 29 @.@ 8 inHg ) . Because of vertical shear , the low @-@ level circulation did not become well @-@ defined . Because convection was being sheared away from the center , the National Hurricane Center noted the possibility of Ernesto weakening back to a tropical depression , though forecasts indicated otherwise . Later that day , no significant change in intensity was predicted , as persistent wind shear seemed to be weakening Ernesto , though the SHIPS and GFDL computer models called for significant strengthening . Although deep convection re @-@ developed near the center early on September 3 , no intensification occurred . At 1800 UTC on September 3 , Ernesto weakened to a tropical depression . Six hours later , Ernesto dissipated to the east @-@ northeast of the Leeward Islands . 
