By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Hurricane Ernesto Threatens Bermuda as It Intensifies in the Atlantic
Bermuda braces for the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto, which is expected to intensify into a major hurricane as it approaches the British territory, bringing dangerous conditions along the East Coast.
After unleashing its fury on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Hurricane Ernesto is churning through the western Atlantic, steadily advancing toward Bermuda. The storm, currently classified as a Category 1 hurricane, is predicted to strengthen significantly before reaching the island.
As of the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) 8 p.m. update on Thursday, Ernesto was located approximately 450 miles south southwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm is moving at a speed of 13 mph and is expected to intensify, potentially becoming a major hurricane with winds exceeding 111 mph by Friday. Bermuda could experience heavy rainfall of up to 15 inches, raising concerns about life threatening flash flooding.
Recovery Efforts Underway in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Meanwhile, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are still recovering from the impacts of Ernesto, which brought widespread flooding and power outages on Wednesday. At its peak, the storm left about 730,000 utility customers in Puerto Rico without power, with 288,000 still in the dark as of Thursday evening. Additionally, nearly 258,000 residents were without drinking water. Flood warnings remain in effect as rivers continue to rise, threatening communities across the region.
East Coast Braces for Dangerous Rip Currents
Though Ernesto is not expected to approach closer than 800 miles to the U.S. East Coast, beachgoers from Florida to Nova Scotia are being warned of dangerous rip currents and high surf as the storm moves northward. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, has advised residents to stay out of the water through the weekend due to the risk of life threatening conditions.
Bermuda Prepares for Impact
In Bermuda, residents are taking precautions as Ernesto approaches. Jason Lawrence, a local resident, has spent the past few days securing his property and helping family members prepare for the storm. While the island's homes are built to withstand severe weather, residents are not taking any chances as the storm threatens to escalate.
Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, has urged residents and tourists to prepare for the possibility of significant impacts, including heavy rain, storm surges, and widespread power outages. The NHC estimates that Bermuda could receive between 6 to 12 inches of rain, with some areas possibly experiencing up to 15 inches.
Peak Hurricane Season Looms
As Ernesto heads toward Bermuda, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has revised its forecast for the 2024 hurricane season, predicting an extremely active period ahead. NOAA expects 17 to 24 named storms, with 8 to 13 reaching hurricane strength well above the seasonal average.
This prediction follows a series of intense storms, including Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Debby, which have already caused significant damage across the Caribbean and U.S. East Coast. With the peak of hurricane season approaching, residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and prepared as more storms are likely to develop in the coming weeks.
