PUERTORICO-WEATHER-STORM
Flash flooding covers a roadway after Tropical Storm Ernesto moved through the area in Dorado, Puerto Rico on August 14, 2024. Ernesto grew into a hurricane Wednesday, US forecasters said, after leaving more than 600,000 customers without power in the US territory of Puerto Rico. JAYDEE LEE SERRANO/AFP via Getty Images

Hurricane Ernesto, currently a Category 1 storm, is intensifying as it approaches Bermuda, with the potential to become a major hurricane. As of August 15, 2024, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Ernesto is located approximately 450 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 90 mph. The storm is moving north at 13 mph and is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Bermuda starting Friday, with the possibility of reaching Category 3 status by Saturday.

Ernesto has already caused significant disruption in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, where it brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. At its peak, the storm left approximately 730,000 utility customers in Puerto Rico without power, and as of Thursday evening, about 288,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity. Additionally, around 258,000 residents are without access to drinking water due to flooding-related disruptions.

As Ernesto approaches Bermuda, a hurricane warning is in effect, and residents are urged to complete preparations to safeguard life and property. The island could experience up to 15 inches of rain, leading to life-threatening flash flooding. The Bermuda Weather Service has advised residents to take the situation seriously and prepare for the potential impacts.

The effects of Ernesto are not confined to Bermuda and the Caribbean. The storm is generating large swells that are expected to impact the U.S. East Coast, the Bahamas, and parts of the Caribbean, creating hazardous surf and rip current conditions. Beachgoers along the Atlantic coast are advised to exercise caution and heed warnings from local authorities.

Looking ahead, Ernesto is forecast to continue its northward trajectory, potentially affecting Atlantic Canada early next week. The storm's path and intensity remain subject to change, and residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed through official channels such as the National Hurricane Center and local weather services.

As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, Ernesto serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the potential impacts of climate change on storm behavior and intensity.