Hurricane Ernesto Regains Strength, Threatens Atlantic Canada
Hurricane Ernesto has regained Category 1 strength with sustained winds of 80 mph as it tracks northeast. Located about 435 miles south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the hurricane is expected to strengthen slightly over the next 12 hours before weakening and transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone.
Forecast models indicate Ernesto will pass close to Atlantic Canada by early next week, potentially bringing rain, wind, and rough seas to southeastern Newfoundland. The National Hurricane Center's latest advisory stated, "Ernesto's center will be near or east of Newfoundland by Monday night."
Impacts Along the East Coast
- Hurricane-force wind warnings issued for Canadian offshore waters
- Rip current advisories and beach closures from Florida to Maine
- House collapse in North Carolina due to rough surf
- Power outages affecting nearly three-quarters of Bermuda
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, emphasized, "We're seeing oversized waves and hazardous rip currents, so it's vital to heed local warnings."
Ongoing Impacts in the Caribbean
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands continue grappling with Ernesto's earlier impacts:
- Over 200,000 customers without power in Puerto Rico
- 1,400 customers remain in the dark in the Virgin Islands
- Swollen rivers and opened dam floodgates in Puerto Rico
Ernesto's journey underscores the interconnectedness of Atlantic weather systems, with its remnants expected to impact Western Scotland. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for heavy rain and strong winds in the region.
As the hurricane continues to transition, New England remains under high rip current risk. Rain, high surf, and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast are Ernesto's lingering effects before it merges with a frontal system and dissipates by late Wednesday.
Hurricane Ernesto's Impact on Bermuda and the East Coast
Early on Saturday morning, Hurricane Ernesto made landfall on Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane. With sustained winds of 85 mph and gusts reaching up to 109 mph, the storm caused widespread power outages, leaving 34% of the island's residents without electricity. Bermuda saw substantial rainfall, with totals between 6 to 9 inches, exacerbating local flooding conditions.
"Hurricane Ernesto seriously threatens our community. This is not a storm to be taken lightly."
– Michael Weeks, Bermuda's National Security Minister
As Ernesto moved away from Bermuda, it continued to churn the Atlantic, generating massive swells along the U.S. East Coast. This hazard claimed the lives of two Ohio men on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, who drowned in separate incidents on Friday despite warnings from local authorities.
East Coast Impacts
- New Jersey: 40 rescues by lifeguards in one afternoon, several beaches closed
- North Carolina: Home collapse in Outer Banks, several structures at risk
- South Carolina: Two drownings on Hilton Head Island
Rich Demers of the Cape May Beach Patrol advised, "Whenever it gets a little bit sketchy, just be cautious. Educate yourself about what rip currents are."
Ernesto's trajectory and subsequent impacts on both Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast highlight the need for consistent vigilance and respect for emergency warnings. As the hurricane transitions into a post-tropical cyclone, its lasting effects remain, underscoring the resilience required by communities in the face of such formidable natural forces.
Hurricane Ernesto's Effects on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
When Ernesto first arrived in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it did so with unrelenting force, appearing initially as a tropical storm. Power outages affected hundreds of thousands; 750,000 Puerto Rican residents experienced blackout conditions, disrupting daily life and essential services. A notable 23 hospitals had to switch to generator power, showcasing the strain on the island's healthcare infrastructure.
Rainfall and Flooding in Puerto Rico
- Barranquitas: Nearly a foot of rain in 24 hours
- Barrio of Barran: Up to 11.28 inches recorded
- La Plata River: Floodgates activated at dams
- Toa Baja: Residents evacuated due to imminent flooding risks
Governor Pedro Pierluisi emphasized, "We are urging you to stay home if you can until the flooding has receded." Multiple roadways were rendered impassable, significantly complicating rescue and relief operations.
U.S. Virgin Islands Impact
At the storm's peak, nearly 46,000 customers lost power, a severe blow to almost the entire territory. Floodwaters claimed roadways and unsafe conditions prompted officials to shut down key infrastructure. As of the weekend, recovery was underway, reducing power outages to around 1,400 customers, exemplifying a community's resilience.
"We have mobilized every available resource to bring power back to our customers."
– Juan Saca, LUMA Energy
Post-storm, the island communities faced a significant cleanup operation. Flooded homes, uprooted trees, and damaged roads presented a grim tableau in the aftermath of Ernesto. Yet amidst the challenges, stories of community solidarity emerged. Local volunteer groups, often stepping in to assist authorities, helped clean debris-laden streets and checked on vulnerable neighbors.
Ernesto's passage through Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands served as a stark reminder of nature's might and the lasting impacts of such tempestuous events. As recovery efforts progress, the resilience and determination of these communities remain on full display, embodying the tenacity necessary to weather such formidable natural adversities.
- National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Ernesto Advisory Archive. 2023.
- Bermuda Weather Service. Hurricane Impact Report: Ernesto. 2023.
- Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency. Storm Damage Assessment: Hurricane Ernesto. 2023.
- U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery. Post-Hurricane Ernesto Report. 2023.
- Met Office UK. Yellow Weather Warning: Western Scotland. 2023.
