Janice R. Andrews
As Hurricane Ernesto makes its way away from Bermuda, it has been reduced to a tropical storm from its destructive winds and copious rainfall. Before moving on toward eastern Canada, the hurricane, which had also affected Puerto Rico earlier in the week, knocked out electricity in a large portion of Bermuda.
Ernesto, with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour (137 kilometers per hour), made landfall in Bermuda on Saturday at 5:30 a.m. local time, according to the US-based National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is no longer as strong, but it still poses a serious threat. Although the storm was heading away from Bermuda, the NHC issued a warning that tropical storm conditions will continue and that Ernesto may strengthen again into a hurricane by Sunday.
Impact on the Islands
Bermuda was severely disrupted by the hurricane as it pounded the island. Ernesto was expected to travel farther northeast, but squally rains will still periodically pelt the island, according to the Bermuda Weather Service. Through Saturday night, dangerous waves were predicted to continue to pose a concern, and the island was prepared for further rain.
Ernesto is anticipated to have dropped seven to nine inches (175 to 225 millimeters) of rain on Bermuda, causing flash floods that could be fatal, especially in low-lying regions. Pictures that went viral on social media revealed extensive damage, such as fallen trees, flooded roadways, and power lines that were severed by the storm’s strong winds.
Approximately 18,300 customers—more than 50% of Bermuda’s 64,000 residents—lost electricity as a result of the hurricane. Belco, Bermuda’s electricity utility company, is attempting to restore power, but it is proving to be a difficult effort given the scale of the devastation.
Residents took preventative measures in advance of Ernesto’s arrival, including removing boats from the water, boarded-up windows, and stocked up on food and batteries. Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, stressed the ongoing hazard despite the downgrading, alerting locals of fallen cables and debris that may still provide significant risks.
Persistent Dangers and Future Course
Ernesto was around 100 miles northeast of Bermuda at midnight local time. As the storm heads northeast into Newfoundland, Canada, Sunday’s weather on the island should be dryer and sunnier. Ernesto was expected to pass close to southeast Newfoundland late on Monday, according to the NHC prediction.
Ernesto is still predicted to provide hazardous beach conditions over the US East Coast for the whole of next week, despite its weakening. The storm is still being tracked by the NHC, which has issued warnings that it may strengthen again into a hurricane as it gets closer to Canadian territory.
L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda is still closed but should reopen on Sunday when the storm has gone. Residents are encouraged to use caution while recovery works are in progress.
