Bermuda Braces for Hurricane Ernesto’s Wrath
As the powerful Hurricane Ernesto approaches, Bermuda is preparing for what could be its strongest strike in nearly four years. The hurricane, which has already caused havoc in Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, is expected to make landfall on Saturday, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rain.
Current Situation
Hurricane Ernesto, currently moving northeastward, has winds that now extend up to 75 miles from its center. The conditions are rapidly deteriorating in Bermuda, with gusts exceeding 45 mph and waves recorded at more than 35 feet just offshore.
Warnings and Impact
A hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda, indicating that hurricane-force winds of at least 74 mph are expected. The timeline for impacts suggests that hurricane conditions may last through Saturday night and into early Sunday morning.
Severe impacts include:
- High winds causing potential outages
- Widespread flooding with rainfall totals of 6 to 10 inches
- High storm surge and dangerous waves affecting coastal areas
Aftermath and Atlantic Canada’s Forecast
Following its encounter with Bermuda, Ernesto is projected to transition into a post-tropical cyclone and could brush past Newfoundland, Canada, early next week. While there is some uncertainty in its exact path, the storm is likely to bring winds, rain, and hazardous waves along the coastal areas.
Beachgoers Warned
Even before making landfall, Ernesto’s effects are being felt along the U.S. East Coast, where large swells pose a risk of dangerous rip currents from Florida to the Northeast. Beachgoers are advised to remain vigilant as conditions may become treacherous.
Background on Hurricane Ernesto
Hurricane Ernesto formed as a tropical storm late last week and was upgraded to a hurricane after moving over the Caribbean. The storm brought severe weather to Puerto Rico, where wind gusts reached up to 81 mph and rainfall totals exceeded 11 inches at some locations. These conditions led to widespread power outages, affecting over 715,000 customers across the territory.
Conclusion
Residents of Bermuda and surrounding areas are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions ahead of Ernesto’s landfall. With expectations of significant rain and wind damage, preparations are key to ensuring safety during this powerful storm.
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.
