Hurricane Ernesto struck Bermuda early Saturday, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, leading to power outages across most of the Atlantic archipelago. Meteorologists warned of a dangerous storm and potential flooding. The hurricane, which brought heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico earlier in the week, made landfall at 08:30 UTC with winds reaching up to 137 km/h, according to the U.S. Hurricane Center.
The center stated that the hurricane is expected to cause "significant coastal flooding in Bermuda" and warned of "high and destructive waves." Rainfall amounts in Bermuda are projected to reach between 150 and 225 mm. The center noted, "This rainfall could lead to flash flooding, threatening lives especially in low-lying areas of the island."
The hurricane is classified as a Category 2 on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, with expectations of 225 mm of rainfall in some areas of the archipelago, located over a thousand kilometers off the eastern U.S. coast. Around 26,000 customers, representing more than 70% of the utility Belco's clients on the 64,000-strong island, experienced power outages.
Social media footage showed fallen trees blocking roads, electrical lines damaged by strong winds, and streets submerged in water. In anticipation of the storm, fishermen pulled their boats from the ocean, and residents fortified their windows and stocked up on supplies. National Security Minister Michael Weeks, at the conclusion of an emergency officials meeting on Friday, warned, "We must not underestimate this storm," as reported by The Royal Gazette. He added, "All necessary precautions must be taken to protect lives and property. Stay indoors."
Some roads were closed on Friday, and bus and ferry services were suspended. L.F. Wade International Airport announced it would remain closed until Sunday. According to the U.S. Hurricane Center, Ernesto is moving northeast and is expected to impact the waters off Newfoundland or its east in Canadian territory on Monday night.
