Hurricane Ernesto was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday after impacting Bermuda with heavy rains and strong winds, leaving much of the British Atlantic Ocean territory without power before moving towards eastern Canada.
The hurricane, which previously hit Puerto Rico, is expected to move away from Bermuda Saturday night, creating tropical storm conditions, according to the US-based National Hurricane Center.
The Center warned that Ernesto could potentially intensify on Sunday and regain hurricane status.
Ernesto made landfall in Bermuda at 5:30 am local time (0830 GMT) with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles (137 kilometers) per hour, according to the NHC.
“As Ernesto moves northeast, occasional squally showers from the west will continue to wet the Island,” stated the Bermuda Weather Service on Saturday night, cautioning about hazardous seas through the night.
The island is expected to experience “drier and brighter weather” on Sunday as Ernesto moves northeast and passes near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday.
Ernesto, located around 100 miles northeast of the island at midnight local time, is predicted to deposit seven to nine inches (175 to 225 millimeters) of rain on Bermuda overall.
“This rainfall could lead to life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas,” warned the NHC.
The storm caused power outages for around 18,300 customers, over 50 percent of Bermuda’s population, according to Bermuda’s power firm Belco.
Social media images showed downed trees, damaged power lines, and flooded roads due to the storm’s impact.Â
Prior to the storm’s arrival, Bermudians prepared by securing boats, boarding up windows, storing water, and stocking up on supplies.
“Even after being downgraded to a tropical storm, intense gusts are expected,” stated Minister of National Security Michael Weeks on Saturday.
Key roads were closed, and transportation services were suspended, noted The Royal Gazette newspaper.
Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport will remain closed until Sunday after the storm passes.
Ernesto is forecasted to move northeast and depart Bermuda slowly on Saturday before heading near or east of Newfoundland in eastern Canada on Monday night, as per the NHC.
The Center also advised of dangerous beach conditions expected along the US East Coast in the coming week.
bur-mtp/sn/ssyÂ
