The British island territory of Bermuda was hit by Hurricane Ernesto, leaving tens of thousands of people without power due to its powerful winds, storm surge, and potential flooding. The Category 1 storm brought sustained winds of 140km/h to the island of about 64,000 people. Electric utility BELCO reported nearly island-wide power outages, with about 26,100 customers without power. Ernesto was expected to slowly move away from Bermuda throughout the day and continue on a path towards the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, officials in Bermuda took precautionary measures, including suspending public transportation and closing the airport. National Security Minister Michael Weeks warned residents that Hurricane Ernesto was a serious threat to the community and should not be taken lightly. The storm caused significant damage in Puerto Rico, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and water. Despite the challenges, efforts were being made to restore services in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Ernesto is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters had predicted an above-average season due to record-warm ocean temperatures. The storm previously affected the northeastern Caribbean before moving towards Bermuda. The National Hurricane Center warned of dangerous surf and rip currents in various regions, including Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Atlantic Canada. The storm was expected to continue on its path towards Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Puerto Rico, where more than 180,000 people were still without power and 170,000 without water, residents were facing challenges amidst severe heat advisories. Many people like Andres Cabrera, who could not afford generators or solar panels, were relying on any relief they could get, such as wind. Despite the difficulties, efforts were being made to restore power and water services to affected areas. In the US Virgin Islands, 80 percent of customers had already had their power restored.
The impact of Hurricane Ernesto on Bermuda and the rest of the region highlighted the importance of preparation and caution in the face of such powerful storms. As the Atlantic hurricane season continued, authorities and residents were urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect lives and property. With the potential for more storms to come, it was important for communities to be ready and resilient in the face of natural disasters. The aftermath of the storm served as a reminder of the destructive power of hurricanes and the importance of being prepared for future events.
