Ernesto Closing in on Bermuda, Potential to Reach Category 2 Hurricane Strength

August 15, 2024 TruthUSA

‘Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,’ warns the National Hurricane Center.

Bermuda is expected to face tropical storm conditions on Aug. 16 as Hurricane Ernesto nears the island, as per the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

“A prolonged period of strong winds and storm surge is anticipated on Bermuda starting late Friday,” the NHC mentioned in its 5 p.m. advisory on Aug. 15.

“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the NHC emphasized.

Ernesto is currently a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 85 mph.

Hurricane-force winds (74 mph or more) reach 60 miles from the storm’s center, with tropical storm-force winds (39 mph–73 mph) extending up to 265 miles.

Ernesto is projected to move near or over Bermuda on Aug. 17, with further intensification expected before landfall.

“Strengthening is projected in the next day or so, with Ernesto potentially reaching major hurricane strength by Friday,” the NHC indicated in its 5 p.m. advisory.

The NHC’s forecast advisory suggests Ernesto could become a borderline Category 3 hurricane by early afternoon on Aug. 16.

Wind speeds are estimated to peak at 109 mph with gusts up to 132 mph before decreasing to 92 mph by Aug. 17.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale designates Category 2 hurricanes with sustained winds of 96 mph—110 mph, while Category 3 hurricanes have winds of 111 mph—129 mph.

A hurricane warning has been issued for Bermuda.

Precipitation of six to 12 inches is anticipated, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches, leading to possible flash flooding.

Dangerous storm surges along with large and destructive waves are also expected, according to the NHC.

Ernesto is moving north at 13 mph, having changed course following its impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix experienced a widespread blackout, with more than 600,000 people reportedly without power on Aug. 14.

Over 20 hospitals in Puerto Rico were said to be running on generators.

“A lot of rain, a lot of rain,” Culebra Mayor Edilberto Romero told the Associated Press. “We have trees that have fallen on public roads. There are some roofs that are blown off.”

Severe flooding persists across Puerto Rico, indicating that the Caribbean remains at risk.

The NHC reported dangerous swells causing life-threatening surf and rip currents generated by Ernesto affecting Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas.

These swells will extend to Bermuda and are likely to impact the U.S. coastline over the weekend.

“Residents should prepare now before conditions worsen,” advised Bermuda’s National Security Minister Michael Weeks. “Now is not the time for complacency.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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