Hurricane Ernesto Spares Bermuda Major Damage But Causes Widespread Power Outages

Hurricane Ernesto knocked out power, downed trees, and caused flooding in Bermuda, but no major injuries or property damage were reported. The storm left 71% of customers without power and brought heavy rain. It is tracking north-northeast, expected to weaken within 48 hours, with winds reaching 75 mph.

Hurricane Ernesto caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and flooding in Bermuda on Saturday. Despite the Category 1 storm's powerful winds and 35-foot seas, officials reported no major injuries or property damage after an initial assessment.

Risk management official Lyndon Raynor confirmed the absence of major incidents or property damage, noting the majority of service calls were related to flooding. The Bermuda Weather Service reported that 5.9 inches of rain had fallen, with more expected as the storm's tail end passes.

The U.S. National Weather Service stated that Ernesto was moving north-northeast and had passed about 85 miles past Bermuda by 5 p.m. EDT. The storm is projected to head towards southeastern Newfoundland by late Monday, with sustained winds of 75 mph expected to weaken over the next 48 hours.

(With inputs from agencies.)