- Hurricane Ernesto heads for Bermuda after widespread power cuts in Puerto Rico
- Hurricane Ernesto, now a category two storm with winds reaching 100 mph
- NHC says it could strengthen to a major hurricane by Friday and is expected to pass over Bermuda on Saturday
Hurricane Ernesto heads for Bermuda after widespread power cuts in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Ernesto, now a category two storm with winds reaching 100 mph (155 km/h), is heading toward Bermuda after causing widespread power outages in Puerto Rico. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that Ernesto could strengthen to a major hurricane by Friday and is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday.
In Puerto Rico, over 410,000 homes and businesses were left without power as Ernesto swept through. Luma Energy, the island’s main power supplier, has over 1,500 workers attempting to restore electricity.
Bermuda is bracing for dangerous storm surges, large waves, and coastal flooding. Forecasters continue to highlight the increasing intensity of such storms due to climate change. Ernesto is the fifth named Atlantic storm this season, following a series of powerful hurricanes in recent months.
Tropical Storm Ernesto has strengthened into Hurricane Ernesto and knocked out power to nearly half of Puerto Rico (total population 3.2 million)
— Jenny 🇺🇸 (@JenJJams) August 14, 2024
In 2017, Trump blocked Hurricane relief funds and aid to Puerto Rico (U.S. citizens). MAGA supported his decision… pic.twitter.com/YQQ3R8qZ08