MIAMI, United States (AFP)— Bermuda is in a state of high alert as residents brace for the imminent arrival of Hurricane Ernesto, which is expected to bring heavy rain and severe flooding to the island during the weekend, meteorologists and officials reported on Friday.
The cyclone, which wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico earlier this week, left 600,000 customers without power as it moved through the region. Currently churning in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Ernesto is advancing north towards Bermuda with sustained winds of 100 miles (160 kilometers) per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) of the U.S. government.
“Ernesto is forecast to be a large hurricane near Bermuda on Saturday and maintain hurricane strength through the weekend,” the NHC indicated in its latest advisory.
Classified as a Category 2 hurricane on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, the storm is anticipated to strengthen further overnight. Forecasts predict it could deliver up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain across parts of the British territory and cause dangerous storm surges. Both the heavy rainfall and surges “will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding,” the NHC warned.
Gale force winds are expected to hit by late Friday, with Bermuda’s government urging its residents to finalize their preparations. An advisory posted on social media platform X cautioned that the hurricane was predicted to be “directly over” the island by 11:00 am (1400 GMT) on Saturday.
In response, Bermudians have been busy securing their homes and communities. Efforts include pulling boats out of the water, boarding up windows, filling bathtubs with water, and stocking up on essentials like batteries and food supplies.
During a meeting of the territory’s emergency officials on Thursday, Minister of National Security Michael Weeks stressed the urgency of completing hurricane preparations. “Time is running out,” he was quoted as saying by the Royal Gazette newspaper.
Anticipating the storm’s impact, some key roads were closed on Friday, and both bus and ferry services have been suspended to ensure safety.
As Bermuda braces for Hurricane Ernesto, residents are urged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property.
