Hurricane Ernesto Approaches Bermuda, Prompting Preparations and Closures
As Hurricane Ernesto advanced towards Bermuda, officials on the island made necessary preparations to ensure the safety of its residents. The Category 2 storm, located 255 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, boasted maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. It was projected to strengthen further before passing near or over Bermuda on Saturday. The National Hurricane Center warned of tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and life-threatening floods, which were expected to affect Bermuda as early as Friday afternoon.
To protect life and property, officials urged residents to complete their hurricane preparations promptly. The storm was forecasted to bring heavy rainfall, ranging from 6 to 12 inches, with isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 15 inches. Ernesto was a large hurricane, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 70 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds stretching up to 265 miles.
In light of the approaching storm, the wealthy British territory of Bermuda announced the suspension of public transportation and the closure of the airport by Friday night. Bermuda, known for its sturdy construction and elevated land mass, is less prone to storm surges compared to low-lying islands. AccuWeather noted that since 1850, only 11 out of 130 tropical storms that came within 100 miles of Bermuda made landfall. The archipelago, consisting of 181 small islands, has a land mass approximately half the size of Miami.
Ernesto had previously impacted the northeast Caribbean, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water. The storm passed by the U.S. territory as a tropical storm, causing significant disruption. As of the report, more than 230,000 out of 1.4 million clients were still without power, while an additional 170,000 were without water. The lack of access to basic necessities posed challenges for residents like Andrés Cabrera, a 60-year-old Carolina resident, who relied solely on “the wind that comes in from the street” for relief.
Ernesto is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average season due to record warm ocean temperatures. NOAA forecasts between 17 to 25 named storms, with four to seven major hurricanes in the Atlantic region for this year.
In conclusion, as Hurricane Ernesto approaches Bermuda, officials and residents alike are taking precautions to protect life and property. The unique nature of Bermuda’s topography, combined with its reputation as an offshore financial center, has contributed to its resilience in the face of tropical storms. However, the aftermath of the storm in Puerto Rico serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those without access to essential resources during such natural disasters. As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, it is crucial for individuals and communities to remain vigilant and prepared.
