Ernesto has been downgraded to a tropical storm after passing over the Caribbean island of Bermuda as a hurricane without causing major damage.
The storm — which over the past week has caused major power outages and flooding in Puerto Rico and Bermuda — looks set to pass the Canadian coast on its way into the northern Atlantic by the middle of the coming week.
Ernesto is the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of this year’s Atlantic season. It made landfall in Bermuda early on Saturday, dumping 7 to 9 inches of rain and flooding parts of the island. The British Overseas Territory avoided major damage, and Ernesto is now some 200 miles northeast of Bermuda.
As of Sunday morning, Ernesto had winds of 70 mph and was moving slowly — heading north-northeast at only 9 mph — though it is predicted to pick up speed in the course of the day. Increased speed may see Ernesto again cross the 74 mph sustained winds threshold to return to Category 1 hurricane status.
This photo provided by the National Park Service on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Rodanthe, N.C., along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore shows debris from an unoccupied beach house that collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean from winds and waves caused by Hurricane Ernesto.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore via AP
All tropical alerts associated with Ernesto have now expired, with the storm far out at sea. A new tropical storm watch may be issued for southern Newfoundland later today, according to the National Hurricane Center.
But high surf and life-threatening rip currents are still anticipated over the next couple of days along the U.S. East Coast.
A man watches waves as the eye of Hurricane Ernesto passes the harbour of Hamilton, Bermuda August 17, 2024.
Nicola Muirhead/Reuters
The entire Atlantic coast from Florida to Maine is under a high risk rip current alert on Sunday.
“Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely,” the National Hurricane Center warned, “which means life-threatening rip currents are likely, and dangerous for all levels of swimmers.”
Ernesto is expected to pass close to southern Newfoundland as a post-tropical cyclone by Monday night.
Ernesto, once a powerful hurricane that caused widespread destruction in Bermuda, has now been downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves away from the island. The storm, which had reached Category 3 status at its peak, brought strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous storm surges to Bermuda, leaving a trail of damage in its wake.
The impact of Ernesto on Bermuda was significant, with reports of downed trees, power outages, and flooding in low-lying areas. The storm also caused damage to buildings and infrastructure, leading to disruptions in transportation and communication systems. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or serious injuries as a result of the storm.
As Ernesto continues to move away from Bermuda, residents are now faced with the task of cleaning up and rebuilding in the aftermath of the storm. Emergency response teams are working to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the storm. The government has also issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the coming days.
While Ernesto may have weakened to a tropical storm, the threat of further damage remains as the storm continues to move through the Atlantic. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take precautions to ensure their safety.
The downgrade of Ernesto to tropical storm status serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the importance of being prepared for severe weather events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, it is crucial for communities to have robust disaster preparedness plans in place to mitigate the impact of future storms.
In conclusion, while Ernesto may have caused significant damage in Bermuda, the island is now focused on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. As the storm moves away, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from further harm.
