Hurricane Ernesto has reached the shores of Bermuda, a British Atlantic territory, causing residents to take shelter and be on high alert.
As of 6 a.m. Saturday, the category 1 storm was directly above Bermuda with sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for strong winds, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
Forecasts predict 6 to 9 inches of rainfall on Bermuda, posing a threat of flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Due to its size and slow movement, the storm is expected to bring hurricane-strength winds until Saturday afternoon, followed by tropical storm-strength winds into Sunday.
Ernesto is moving towards the north-northeast at 9 mph and is expected to impact the east coast of the U.S. and Canada. It is forecasted to be near or east of Newfoundland by Monday night.
Reports indicate that majority of Bermuda’s power utility customers are without power as the island faces this crisis situation.
In anticipation of the storm, public transportation was suspended, and the airport was closed on Friday night.
Bermuda, known for its financial center, is bracing for the impact of this rare direct hit by a hurricane.
Ernesto had previously affected Puerto Rico, leaving hundreds of thousands without power or water. Efforts to restore services are ongoing in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ernesto marks the fifth named storm and third hurricane of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which is predicted to be above average due to warm ocean temperatures.
