Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 1 storm is intensifying as it moves towards Bermuda with its center currently positioned approximately 675 miles south of the island. Its maximum sustained winds are reaching 85 mph and it is expected to bring severe weather conditions as it approaches.
Also Read: Greece Wildfire: Residents Evacuated as Wildfires Near Athens Spreads
As of early Thursday, Hurricane Ernesto was situated approximately 675 miles (1,085 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda.
The Hurricane Ernesto exhibits maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and is progressing northwest at a rate of 16 mph (26 kph). Forecasters anticipate that Ernesto could escalate to a Category 3 hurricane by Friday.
The US territory of Puerto Rico has experienced disruptions due to Ernesto’s impact. Torrential rain has led to flooding with huge damage reported in various regions. More than half of Puerto Rico’s electricity consumers are without power.
The Hurricane Ernesto has also heavily affected the US and British Virgin Islands, where strong winds and heavy rain have caused island-wide blackouts.
Over 640,000 customers in Puerto Rico have lost power, impacting vital services. This includes 23 hospitals that are currently relying on backup generators.
Luma Energy, the company responsible for Puerto Rico’s power transmission and distribution is working to restore electricity.
Priority is given to essential services like hospitals and water facilities. The restoration efforts are complicated by the island’s fragile power grid, which remains vulnerable following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Heavy rainfall has led to flooding in several areas. The north coastal town of Toa Baja known for its flooding issues has seen residents moving their vehicles to higher ground.
On St. John and St. Croix, residents have reported blackouts. Additionally many cellphone towers are down hampering communication and emergency response efforts.
More than 140 flights to and from Puerto Rico have been canceled due to the storm. This Hurricane Ernesto has created travel chaos and further complications for those trying to leave or arrive on the island.
Puerto Rican officials including Governor Pedro Pierluisi have highlighted the challenges faced by the island’s power grid.
In Culebra, Mayor Edilberto Romero reported damaged roofs and blocked roads. The island continues to be under flash flood warnings due to heavy rainfall.
Bermuda has been placed under a hurricane watch as Ernesto approaches. Tropical storm conditions are expected by Friday with hurricane conditions possible by Saturday.
Residents are being urged to prepare for severe weather including heavy swells and rip currents along the US East Coast.
Forecasts predict Ernesto could reach Category 3 status with between 3 and 6 inches of rain expected.
Also Read: Uganda: Landslide at Kampala Rubbish Dump Kills 18
Bermuda is under a hurricane warning as of early Thursday morning. This warning indicates that hurricane-force winds are anticipated, typically issued 36 hours before tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive.
Hurricane Ernesto has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is moving north at about 16 mph and its intensity is gradually increasing.
The Hurricane Ernesto has caused damage in Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles including flooding and power outages. In Puerto Rico alone, over 730,000 customers lost power.
Hurricane Ernesto is predicted to shift northeast and increase its forward speed. There is uncertainty regarding its exact track, but it could affect eastern Nova Scotia and Newfoundland between Monday and Tuesday of the upcoming week.
Expect some wind, rain and coastal waves as Ernesto transitions from a hurricane to a post-tropical cyclone.
Even though Hurricane Ernesto is expected to remain offshore, the US East Coast will experience large swells resulting in dangerous rip currents.
Hurricane Ernesto has caused heavy rainfall and wind damage. Puerto Rico recorded up to 11.28 inches of rain and wind gusts up to 81 mph.
Flooding and landslides were reported leading to infrastructure damage and power outages. Over 730,000 customers in Puerto Rico and at least 90% of Virgin Islands customers experienced power outages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security have been authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the affected areas.
Hurricane Ernesto is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Only a few years have seen three or more hurricanes by mid-August since 1966. The 2024 season is predicted to be above average with NOAA forecasting 17 to 25 named storms and 4 to 7 major hurricanes driven by record warm ocean temperatures.
Puerto Rico’s power grid already weakened by previous storms faces challenges. The grid was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and has struggled to recover fully.
The island’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity, 94% and the slow growth of rooftop solar installations contribute to its vulnerability.
Also Read: Assam Launches Haati App to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflicts
