Hurricane Ernesto hits Bermuda, leaves 75% of island without electricity

Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 1 storm, made landfall on the small British Atlantic territory of Bermuda at around 6:00 AM on Saturday. With winds recorded at 85 mph, the storm brought heavy rainfall and has left  75% of the island without electricity.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the center of the Hurricane Ernesto has moved away from Bermuda but continuous to bring dangerous conditions, which include 6-9 inches of rainfall and strong winds. NHC further warned the residents of the life-threatening surf and rip currents.

It further noted that the hurricane is moving north-northeast at a speed of 9 mph.

It is important to note that the rip currents are anticipated to reach Canada and NHC advised that the progress of Ernesto should be monitored by the authorities and residents in Atlantic Canada.

According to the Bermuda Weather Service, the eye of the hurricane passed the island between 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM. The authorities further noted that as it crossed the island, the eye expanded.

While the hurricane struck the island, it caused widespread power outages and hazardous conditions by damaging the infrastructure before it moved away from the island.

Following the passage, the officials stated that the storm in Bermuda had left 26,000 people without power.
The Bermuda Electric Light Company Ltd (BELCO) revealed that the Hurricane has damaged some of its infrastructure, which has led to 75% losing the power.

Further, Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security urged the residents to stay indoors while the island experiences powerful winds and worsening weather. He stated that the eye has passed, the warning still remains in effect.

Earlier, while Bermuda was under warning of Ernesto, several people ignored the safety warning and were seen swimming at the Horseshoe Bay even though the Ministry of National Security had advised against it.

Minister of National Security Michael Weeks reminded everyone that lifeguard services are suspended across the island and dispatched the police officers to the beach.