Bermuda residents urged to prepare for Ernesto
Bermuda residents have been urged to accelerate hurricane preparations as the island braces for a category 2 hurricane to close in on the island on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Ernesto, which passed Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands overnight, is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today as it moves over open water towards Bermuda.
The National Hurricane Centre's latest projection showed Ernesto strengthening to a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 115ph on Friday before weakening slightly to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 105mph on Saturday as it nears the island.
Bermuda Government officials warned that a separate weather system bringing heavy rain over the next few days could hamper preparations and urged residents to accelerate their preparations.
Ernesto brought torrential rain and power blackouts as it passed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands yesterday, but damage appeared to be limited.
A Bermuda Government spokesman said yesterday: “All residents are urged to accelerate their storm preparations considering this development.
“A weather front from the US East Coast is expected to move over Bermuda tonight, bringing torrential rainfall and intermittent showers over the next few days due to the system stalling over the island.
"This weather front is unrelated to Hurricane Ernesto but could potentially hamper hurricane preparations. Residents are, therefore, urged to get ready for the impending hurricane as soon as possible."
National Security Minister Michael Weeks said yesterday: "The heavy rains expected from tonight from this weather front are separate from what Hurricane Ernesto will bring.
“Residents need to prepare now before conditions worsen. Time is of the essence. Now is not the time for complacency.
“Residents must not underestimate Hurricane Ernesto's potential impact. With the combination of the unrelated weather front and the impending hurricane, it is crucial that everyone remains prepared and follows official guidance.
“I urge everyone to ensure they have adequate hurricane supplies, including tarpaulins, rope, water, batteries, portable power banks, food and medicine.
“These items are critical for weathering the storm and its aftermath."
Ernesto is the fifth named storm of what is expected to be a "hyperactive" hurricane season with the NHC predicting an 85 per cent chance of a busier-than-average season with between 17 and 25 named storms. Colorado State University, one of the oldest and most reliable forecasters, has predicted up to 25 named storms, of which 12 are expected to become hurricanes. Two hurricanes, Debby and Beryl, have already made landfall in the US, causing billions of dollars in insured damage.
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