Hurricane Ernesto Threatens Bermuda with Devastation

Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 2 storm, is approaching Bermuda, bringing strong winds, dangerous storm surges, and potential flooding. The storm, centered 95 miles south-southwest of the archipelago, is expected to deliver winds up to 100 mph and rainfall reaching 9 inches. Island preparations are underway as the government issues public warnings.

Hurricane Ernesto bore down on Bermuda on Friday as a Category 2 storm, threatening the British island territory with strong winds, a dangerous storm surge, and potentially deadly flooding. Ernesto, centered about 95 miles south-southwest of the archipelago at 8 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, was producing sustained winds of up to 100 mph and had the potential to drop up to 9 inches of rain, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

The center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning, heightening the risk of storm surges and flash flooding. "Folks, be under no illusion. This storm is the real deal," said Michael Weeks, Bermuda's national security minister, at a press conference on Friday.

He warned Bermudians to brace for 36 hours of hurricane- and tropical storm-force winds starting Friday afternoon. The winds had already knocked out power for 5,400 of Bermuda's 36,000 customers, the power utility BELCO reported, adding that repair crews had been called back due to unsafe conditions.

Warren Darrell, 52, of Smith's Parish, said he had stocked up on groceries, secured his home, and prepared to ride out the storm with his family. "I'm a bit worried, but I think we'll overcome," he stated.

By noon, torrential rains and strong winds were already stirring at John Smith's Bay on Bermuda's Main Island. The government planned to close a causeway bridge linking it to St. George's Island on Friday night. Waves and rip currents were intensifying, yet some people were seen roaming and windsurfing ahead of the storm's peak.

In Puerto Rico, Ernesto had earlier caused significant power outages, affecting up to half of its 1.5 million customers. The island, with its fragile power grid, still had around 250,000 homes and businesses without electricity as of Friday morning.

Ernesto is the fifth named Atlantic storm in what is projected to be an intense hurricane season.