Hurricane Ernesto, though downgraded to a Category 1 storm, struck Bermuda early Saturday, unleashing powerful winds, a perilous storm surge, and significant flooding across the island. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Ernesto maintained sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) as it approached Bermuda, causing near-total power outages, with around 26,100 out of 36,000 customers left without electricity by morning.
The storm, situated 15 miles north-northeast of Bermuda by 8 a.m. (1200 GMT), is expected to move away from the island throughout Saturday and head toward Newfoundland by Monday night. The Bermuda Weather Service warned of the storm’s potential to cause life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, as rainfall could reach up to 9 inches (225 mm). The storm’s impact prompted BELCO, the island’s electric utility, to withdraw its repair crews from the field due to dangerous conditions, while government officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid downed power lines and flooded areas. Ocean swells generated by Ernesto are also affecting parts of the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast, leading to beach closures in New York City due to hazardous rip currents and waves up to 6 feet high. As Ernesto progresses, slight re-intensification is possible later in the weekend before further weakening on Monday. The situation in Bermuda remains critical as the storm slowly moves away, leaving the island to recover from its devastating effects.