Hurricane Ernesto was slowing down on Saturday after making landfall in Bermuda as a Category 1 storm. The National Hurricane Center has warned of strong winds, coastal flooding and storm surge.
While the NHC said in its latest advisory that Ernesto’s center is moving away from Bermuda, meteorologists said the storm is expected to bring a total of 6 to 9 inches of rain to the British territory.
Ernesto is forecast to remain well offshore from the U.S. mainland, but storm swells are expected to bring life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents to the East Coast into early next week.
By the end of this weekend and into next week, Ernesto is expected to turn northeastward and could brush Newfoundland, Canada, forecasters said.
Where is the storm, exactly?
As of 5 p.m. ET, Ernesto was moving away from Bermuda.
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Location: Around 85 miles northeast of Bermuda
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Maximum sustained winds: 75 mph
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Present movement: North-northeast at 6 mph
What are the watches and warnings?
A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for Bermuda, downgraded from a hurricane warning that cautioned islanders to make “preparations to protect life and property.”
What are the biggest risks associated with Ernesto?
Strong winds, flooding and storm surge are some of the main concerns for Bermuda.
The hurricane center advises the significant rainfall Ernesto is expected to bring could generate “considerable life-threatening flash flooding.”
Thousands still without power in Puerto Rico
Electricity and water have been restored to Puerto Rico in recent days, but more than 116,000 customers were still without power on Saturday afternoon, while around 100,000 customers were still without water, according to a Puerto Rico Emergency Portal System. President Biden has approved federal assistance requested by the governor of Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity and Norwegian that had ships planning to travel to the northern Caribbean have reportedly adjusted their itineraries to avoid Ernesto.
What damage has Ernesto done?
Photos showing the damage caused by Ernesto’s heavy rains and strong winds in Puerto Rico are starting to emerge:
This is an ongoing story; please refresh for the latest updates.
