Hurricane Ernesto Strikes Bermuda with Devastating Impact

Hurricane Ernesto, a category 1 storm, hit Bermuda on Saturday, causing significant flooding, strong winds, and major disruptions. The storm brought life-threatening conditions, including powerful winds and storm surges. Bermuda's power utility reported widespread outages and ceased operations for safety concerns. Ernesto is expected to affect the east coast of the U.S. and Canada.

Hurricane Ernesto made landfall on the tiny British Atlantic territory of Bermuda early Saturday as residents hunkered down.

The wide category 1 storm was directly over the wealthy territory at 6 a.m. Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). The US National Hurricane Centre warned of strong winds, a dangerous storm surge, and significant coastal flooding.

The NHC projected 6 to 9 inches (150-225 centimeters) of rain, likely resulting in life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Hurricane-strength winds are expected to persist until Saturday afternoon, with tropical storm-strength winds extending into Sunday, according to the Bermuda government.

The NHC also reported life-threatening surf and rip currents on the east coast of the United States, anticipated to affect Canada later in the day. By late Friday, Bermuda power utility BELCO reported that power was out for 31 percent of its customers, placing it in an “active state of crisis”. Crews ceased operations due to unsafe conditions and will resume once it is safe to do so.