Hurricane Ernesto Makes Landfall in Bermuda; First Surf-Related Deaths Reported

Hurricane Hits Hard in Bermuda

HAMILTON, Bermuda – Hurricane Ernesto made landfall early Saturday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing with it fierce winds reaching up to 85 mph, heavy rain, and massive waves. The storm struck the western side of the island, causing widespread power outages and hazardous conditions for residents.

Power Outages and Community Impact

The storm’s impact was felt throughout the island, leaving over 26,000 customers without power, which is approximately 72% of Bermuda’s electricity users, as reported by the local power company, BELCO. Mark Sudduth, a storm tracker on the ground, remarked, “We made it through the night, but there is no power.”

Warnings and Precautions

As daylight broke, officials urged residents to remain indoors as stormy weather prevailed. “Please don’t go outside; these continue to be dangerous weather conditions,” they warned through social media channels.

U.S. East Coast Affected by Ernesto’s Swells

Even as Ernesto moves away from Bermuda, its impact is being felt along the East Coast of the United States. Beaches from North Carolina to Massachusetts have faced closures due to unsafe swimming conditions, with officials posting double-red flags warning of dangerous rip currents and high surf.

Tragic Surf-Related Deaths

In South Carolina, local authorities reported the deaths of two swimmers who fell victim to rip currents. Both were pulled from the water by lifeguards but could not be revived. These tragic incidents highlight the severe risks associated with the elevated surf conditions created by the hurricane.

Destruction Along the Coastline

The swells generated by Ernesto also led to tremendous destruction in North Carolina, where a home along the Outer Banks collapsed into the ocean due to severe erosion. Video footage captured the dramatic moment as the structure fell into the water.

Storm’s Journey Ahead

As of Saturday afternoon, Hurricane Ernesto has downgraded to a lower intensity but continues to pose a threat as it tracks northeast towards Canada. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for those in Newfoundland as Ernesto approaches, signaling expectations of heavy rains and moderate winds.

Preparation and Recovery

In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, severe weather from Ernesto had already resulted in widespread power outages, affecting over 700,000 people as heavy rain and wind ravaged the area earlier in the week. Although the storm is slowly moving away, its effects linger, prompting officials to remain vigilant in their response efforts.

Final Thoughts

As the storm continues its path, communities are advised to stay informed and heed all safety warnings. The resilience of those affected by Hurricane Ernesto is evident, but the need for caution and preparedness remains crucial as the area begins the recovery process.

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.