Bermuda Braces for Hurricane Ernesto’s Wrath

As the powerful Hurricane Ernesto approaches, Bermuda is preparing for what could be its strongest strike in nearly four years. The hurricane, which has already caused havoc in Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, is expected to make landfall on Saturday, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rain.

Current Situation

Hurricane Ernesto, currently moving northeastward, has winds that now extend up to 75 miles from its center. The conditions are rapidly deteriorating in Bermuda, with gusts exceeding 45 mph and waves recorded at more than 35 feet just offshore.

Warnings and Impact

A hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda, indicating that hurricane-force winds of at least 74 mph are expected. The timeline for impacts suggests that hurricane conditions may last through Saturday night and into early Sunday morning.

Severe impacts include:

• High winds causing potential outages
• Widespread flooding with rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches
• High storm surge and dangerous waves affecting coastal areas

Aftermath and Atlantic Canada’s Forecast

Following its encounter with Bermuda, Ernesto is projected to transition into a post-tropical cyclone and could brush past Newfoundland, Canada, early next week. While there is some uncertainty in its exact path, the storm is likely to bring winds, rain, and hazardous waves along the coastal areas.

Beachgoers Warned

Even before making landfall, Ernesto’s effects are being felt along the U.S. East Coast, where large swells pose a risk of dangerous rip currents from Florida to the Northeast. Beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant as conditions may become treacherous.

Background on Hurricane Ernesto

Hurricane Ernesto formed as a tropical storm late last week and was upgraded to a hurricane after moving over the Caribbean. The storm brought severe weather to Puerto Rico, where wind gusts reached up to 81 mph and rainfall totals exceeded 11 inches at some locations. These conditions led to widespread power outages, affecting over 715,000 customers across the territory.

Conclusion

Residents of Bermuda and surrounding areas are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions ahead of Ernesto’s landfall. With expectations of significant rain and wind damage, preparations are key to ensuring safety during this powerful storm.