Hurricane Ernesto rapidly approaches Bermuda as wealthy British territory braces for impact

Hurricane Ernesto is headed towards Bermuda, with officials on the island making preparations to open shelters and close government offices as the Category 2 storm approaches. Located 320 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, the storm carries winds of 100 mph and is moving north-northeast at 13 mph. It is expected to strengthen further before passing near or over Bermuda on Saturday, bringing tropical storm conditions with strong winds and potentially life-threatening floods starting on Friday afternoon.

The National Hurricane Center has advised that preparations to safeguard life and property should be completed urgently as Ernesto is projected to bring between 6 and 12 inches of rain, possibly up to 15 inches in isolated areas. The hurricane is large, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching up to 265 miles. Public transportation will be suspended, and the airport closed by Friday night in anticipation of the storm.

Bermuda, a wealthy British territory comprised of 181 small islands, rarely experiences the eye of a hurricane directly hitting land due to its size. The island’s sturdy infrastructure and elevation help mitigate storm surge issues. Prior to heading towards Bermuda, Ernesto caused power outages and water shortages in Puerto Rico as a tropical storm, leaving over 245,000 customers without power and a similar number without water two days after the storm.

Ernesto is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season this year. With warm ocean temperatures contributing to a more active season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average season with 17 to 25 named storms, including four to seven major hurricanes. Time is of the essence for Bermuda as they brace for the impact of Hurricane Ernesto in the coming days in the Atlantic Ocean.