Tropical Storm Ernesto attains Bermuda's shores.
Tropical storm "Ernesto" touched down on Bermuda early Saturday morning, right above the British overseas territory at 6 a.m. local time (11 a.m. German time), as per the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The storm was causing strong winds, hazardous sea surges, and flooding in coastal areas, they warned.
Approximately 225 liters of rain per square meter was predicted. "This downpour could lead to severe, potentially lethal flash flooding, especially in the lower parts of the island," the hurricane center warned. The storm was classified as a Category 1 hurricane with winds blowing at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour on Saturday.
Due to the storm's large size and slow pace, Bermuda's authorities predicted strong winds to persist until Sunday. The hurricane center issued warnings of life-threatening waves and dangerous currents along the U.S. East Coast. "Ernesto" was forecasted to be east of Newfoundland by Monday evening.
As of Friday evening, Belco, the power company in Bermuda, reported that 31% of its customers were without power. "Our teams are no longer working in the field as it is no longer safe for them. They will rest until it is safe to commence restoration work," Belco stated. Public transportation and the airport had been halted before the storm. "Ernesto" poses a significant threat, stated national security minister Michael Weeks. "This is not a storm to be taken lightly."
Bermuda is a collection of 181 tiny islands with a total area as small as Manhattan. According to AccuWeather, it's rare for the eye of a hurricane to directly hit Bermuda. Only 11 out of the 130 tropical storms that approached within 160 kilometers of Bermuda since 1850 have made landfall.
The island serves as a financial hub with sturdy buildings. Due to its elevation, storm surges are not as much of a concern as on lower-lying islands. "Ernesto" had previously impacted the northeastern Caribbean, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without electricity or water.
The heavy rain from 'Rain' could exacerbate the flood situation, given the warning of severe flash flooding. After the storm passes, the cleanup and restoration efforts might be hindered by the lingering 'Rain'.
