Hurricane Ernesto is expected to bring life-threatening flooding, storm surge and winds up to 100 mph to Bermuda, with dangerous conditions likely beginning Friday ahead of the storm which is expected to reach the island within the next 24 hours, forecasters said.
The Category 2 storm is located 310 miles southwest of the North Atlantic island and is moving at 13 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in a 5 a.m. update. A hurricane warning has been issued for the entire island, and up to 15 inches of rain is expected.
Hurricane-force winds (at least 74 mph) are expected to extend out to 70 miles from the storm’s center, and tropical storm-force winds (at least 39 mph) could be felt as far as 265 miles away.
“Preparations must be completed expeditiously to protect lives and property,” the NHC said.
The center of the storm is expected to pass over or near Bermuda on Saturday, but may strengthen before then. Ernesto will then remain a major hurricane and maintain strength through the weekend.
Satellite images show Hurricane Ernesto approaching Bermuda. NOAA/GOES / AFP – Getty Images
“Dangerous storm surges are expected to cause significant coastal flooding in areas of Bermuda exposed to onshore winds. The storm surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves along the coast,” the NHC said.
The hurricane center said swells from Ernesto will affect the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas and could be felt along the U.S. East Coast from Friday through the weekend, bringing potentially life-threatening surf and rip currents.
“Beachgoers should be aware of the significant risks from life-threatening waves and low tides and should stay out of the water unless instructed to do so by a lifeguard,” the center said in its advisory.
Warnings were also issued by National Weather Service offices across the eastern United States, including Mount Holly, Pennsylvania.
Ernesto has already wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico, and although it did not make landfall there, about half of the island’s 1.4 million electricity customers lost power on Wednesday.
Ernesto is expected to move north and pass east of Newfoundland on Monday.
