Hurricane Ernesto was weakening as it closed in on Bermuda early on Saturday, downgraded to a Category 1 storm but still threatening the British island territory with powerful winds, a dangerous storm surge, and potentially deadly flooding.
The storm was slowly making its way toward the Atlantic archipelago, its center due to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning, with the worst of the storm surge and flash flood potential expected later in the day, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
As of 11 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time on Friday (1100 ET on Saturday), the eye of the storm was 65 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Rainbands from the storm began dousing the island territory on Friday afternoon. Its slow speed — moving north-northeast at 13 mph — and large size means Bermuda could experience a lengthy pummeling on Saturday night, the hurricane center said.
It produced maximum sustained winds of up to 90 mph, putting it at the high end of Category 1 on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale — still packing very dangerous winds that will produce some damage, the hurricane center said.
On Friday, it had been classified as a Category 2 storm, with extremely dangerous winds capable of extensive damage. While it may continue to weaken for the next day or so, it is forecast to strengthen again over the Gulf Stream, the hurricane center said.
Rainfall on Bermuda was forecast at up to 9 inches, the hurricane center said.
“Folks, be under no illusion. This storm is the real deal,” said Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s National Security Minister, at a press conference on Friday.
Weeks said emergency responders would be posted at strategic areas in Bermuda, a collection of 181 small islands clustered more than 600 miles off the South Carolina coast.
By Friday afternoon, Ernesto’s winds had knocked out power for 5,400 of Bermuda’s 36,000 customers, the power utility BELCO said. The company said it had called its repair crews back from the field because it was too dangerous to work.
Swells generated by Ernesto were already affecting parts of Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the east coast of the United States, the hurricane center said.
In New York, the city parks and the National Park Service announced that all beaches in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens would be closed to swimmers on Saturday and Sunday with the National Weather Service predicting dangerous rip currents and swells of up to 6 feet (2 meters), the mayor’s office said.
As Hurricane Ernesto continues to threaten Bermuda with its powerful winds and destructive force, the residents are bracing themselves for the impact of this Category 1 storm. While the storm has been downgraded, it still poses a significant danger to the British island territory, with the potential for a dangerous storm surge and deadly flooding.
The slow-moving nature of Hurricane Ernesto means that Bermuda could face a prolonged period of intense weather conditions, with the worst still yet to come. With maximum sustained winds of up to 90 mph, the island is in for a rough ride as the storm passes near or over Bermuda.
Authorities in Bermuda have been preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto, with emergency responders strategically stationed to deal with any potential aftermath. The storm has already caused power outages for a significant portion of the island’s population, making it clear that Ernesto is not to be taken lightly.
As the storm continues its path towards Bermuda, neighboring regions like the Bahamas and parts of the U.S. East Coast are also feeling its effects. The impact of Ernesto is far-reaching, with swells and dangerous conditions affecting a wide area.
With the threat of dangerous rip currents and swells looming, officials in New York have taken precautionary measures by closing beaches to swimmers. The potential for safety hazards is high, and it’s important for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ernesto, communities are coming together to weather the storm and support one another in this time of need. As the island nation of Bermuda stands strong in the face of adversity, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
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In conclusion, Hurricane Ernesto may be weakening, but its impact on Bermuda and surrounding areas is still significant. The threat of powerful winds, storm surges, and flooding remains a concern for residents and officials alike. As the storm continues to unfold, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed, prepared, and united in the face of adversity. Through resilience and community support, we can overcome the challenges brought by natural disasters like Hurricane Ernesto. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay strong.
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