Hurricane Ernesto, now a Category 1 surprise, is intensifying as it heads towards Bermuda, posing significant challenges with strong winds, dangerous storm surges, and heavy snowfall over the weekend.
In Puerto Rico, where it has already left hundreds of thousands without strength, the wind has already caused significant damage. The National Hurricane Center ( NHC ) warns that Ernesto could strengthen into a major hurricane by Friday, prompting urgent preparations in affected areas as it continues its path.
Here’s all you need to realize:-
Impact on Puerto Rico: Hundreds of thousands are without power due to heavy rainfall from Ernesto. Significant flooding and damage reported.
Forecast: Ernesto expected to strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by Friday, with further strengthening predicted by the NHC.
Current position: As of 5 pm ET Thursday, Ernesto was 495 miles southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 85 mph.
Preparation alert: The NHC advises Bermuda residents to complete preparations for potential impacts, including significant rain, strong winds, and storm surge.
Historical context: Bermuda has experienced direct landfalls from only 11 storms since 1851. Notable past hurricanes include Gonzalo (2014) and Fabian (2003).
LUMA energy report: About 410,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico remain without electricity. LUMA expects power restoration soon.
Power grid fragility: Puerto Rico’s power grid is historically fragile, with previous hurricanes (Fiona 2022, Irma and Maria 2017) causing prolonged outages.
US East Coast: Ernesto is expected to stay well west of the US East Coast but could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Seasonal overview: Ernesto is the fifth named storm of an intense Atlantic hurricane season. Previous storms include Category 1 Hurricane Debby and Category 5 Hurricane Beryl.
