Hurricane Ernesto is forecasted to bring life-threatening floods, storm surges, and 100 mph winds to Bermuda in the next 24 hours. The category 2 storm is currently 255 miles southwest of the island, moving at a speed of 13 mph. The entire island is under a hurricane warning, with as much as 15 inches of rain expected. Hurricane-strength winds are expected to extend 70 miles from the storm’s center, with tropical storm-force winds reaching 265 miles away. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. The center of the storm is expected to pass over or near Bermuda on Saturday, potentially strengthening before that. Ernesto will then remain a large hurricane through the weekend.
A dangerous storm surge is expected to cause significant coastal flooding on Bermuda, accompanied by large and destructive waves. The swells from Ernesto could also impact the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and the U.S. East Coast, leading to life-threatening surf and rip currents. Beach-goers are advised to stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards.
Ernesto has already caused power outages in Puerto Rico, and is projected to move north and pass east of Newfoundland on Monday. The National Weather Service offices in the eastern U.S. are warning of the potential risks associated with the storm.
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