- Tropical Storm Ernesto Impacting Bermuda's Shores
Tropical Tempest "Ernesto" Slams into Bermuda. The weather disturbance featuring winds clocking at approximately 140 kilometers per hour touched down in Bermuda's western region, as per the American National Hurricane Center (NHC). "Ernesto" is currently predicted to veer towards the northeast. Upon hitting land, "Ernesto" experienced a brief decrease in power, but it may regain its strength by the weekend.
The NHC issued an advisory about heavy rainfall, substantial waves, and flooding. The North American East Coast is not expected to be targeted directly by "Ernesto". However, swimmer and sunbathers are warned to brace themselves against powerful waves and present currents, and adhere to the directives of local lifeguards.
Power Failures in Puerto Rico
As "Ernesto" morphed into a hurricane amidst Puerto Rico's Caribbean-adjacent United States territory, widespread power outages plagued the region on Wednesday. Local media reported heavy precipitation, flooding, and fallen trees. The Virgin Islands were also affected by the tempest.
Global warming significantly escalates the probability of intense storms. Due to uncharacteristically hot ocean temperatures and the approaching "La Niña", an episode of cooler waters in the Pacific, the American meteorological agency, NOAA, had cautioned of a remarkably potent hurricane season in the Atlantic this year. This cycle began in June and continues through the following six months. As early as July, "Beryl" emerged as the initial-ever hurricane of highest category 5 status recorded in a season.
The affected areas were advised to prepare for potential other power outages, as "Ernesto" might regain strength. Despite not being directly targeted, the North American East Coast could still experience other impacts such as rip currents.
