Hurricane Ernesto Causes Major Power Outages in Puerto Rico, Heads Toward Bermuda

Hurricane Ernesto has left hundreds of thousands without power or water in Puerto Rico amid extreme heat, raising health concerns. The storm is now heading towards Bermuda, where a hurricane warning is in place. The impact is reminiscent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Hurricane Ernesto has left hundreds of thousands without power or water in Puerto Rico as the U.S. territory bakes under sweltering heat, raising concerns about public health.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Bermuda, as Ernesto is expected to pass near or over the island on Saturday.

With maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and moving north at 13 mph, the Category 1 storm was located about 450 miles south-southwest of Bermuda on Thursday afternoon.

National Security Minister Michael Weeks stressed the importance of preparation, citing past instances of devastation due to complacency.

Ernesto is forecasted to approach Category 3 strength by Friday but will weaken as it nears Bermuda. The island is expected to receive up to 15 inches of rain in isolated areas.

In Puerto Rico, extreme heat continues alongside massive power outages, affecting over 290,000 customers. Officials are working to restore service but face challenges, including fallen trees and widespread line failures.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory while residents, still recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Maria in 2017, struggle without electricity or water.

Concerns are mounting over the health of vulnerable populations who lack resources like generators or solar panels amid a poverty rate exceeding 40 percent.

Efforts to repair the grid are ongoing, but a full restoration timeline remains uncertain, with many residents expressing frustration and worry about their well-being.

(With inputs from agencies.)