Hurricane Ernesto is heading for Bermuda.
As of 5:00 am on Friday (16AUG), the storm has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 160 km/h. It is forecasted to hit Bermuda in the next 24 hours.
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) advised that "large and destructive waves," and significant coastal flooding are expected.
"Ernesto is expected to bring a prolonged period of strong winds and storm surge on Bermuda starting this afternoon through Saturday night. A hurricane warning is in effect for the island, and preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," the hurricane center said.
Hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans lost power as Tropical Storm Ernesto unleashed high winds, heavy rains and big surf late on 13AUG and into the morning of 14AUG. There were also reports of heavy rain in Guadeloupe and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
BBC reports that forecasters have previously warned of climate change's role in making storms like this one more intense. Ernesto is the fifth named Atlantic storm to occur this season.
According to NHC, Ernesto is currently southwest of Bermuda, moving at 13 mph. The island is expecting up to 15 inches of rain. Hurricane-strength winds reaching at least 74 mph will stretch 70 miles from the storm's center, while tropical-storm-force winds of at least 39 mph will be felt up to 265 miles away.
The Toronto Star reports that since 1850, only 11 out of 130 tropical storms have made landfall in Bermuda. The island is a renowned offshore financial center with sturdy construction, and due to its elevation, storm surge is not as problematic as it is with low-lying islands.
Industry Responds
Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport will close at 8:30 p.m. local time today (16AUG). According to an airport statement, operations are not expected to resume until 18AUG, "after the storm has passed and it is safe to do so."
Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have altered itineraries to avoid Ernesto, skipping San Juan, switching from the eastern to the western Caribbean, and adjusting ports of call.
BermudAir has issued a travel waiver for flights operated by BermudAir that depart 16-18AUG. The waiver allows for voluntary changes for travel to and from Toronto (YYZ), Halifax (YHZ), Bermuda, BM (BDA), and various airports in the U.S. The waiver applies to tickets issued by 13AUG, with waiver code ERN24IROPS.
Atlantic Canada
The Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) predicts Ernesto's centre track will reach Atlantic Canada on Monday (19AUG).
City News reports that since the storm circulation is likely to be quite broad with tropical air and downpours spreading well beyond its centre, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador could see at least some rain directly or indirectly.
The current track is expected to keep the strongest winds offshore, reducing the likelihood of wind impacts in the Maritimes. However, the region should prepare for high waves and riptides along the Atlantic coastline from Sunday (18AUG) to Tuesday (20AUG), requiring caution for anyone at the beach.
"After the hurricane passes Bermuda, there could be a brief window for some re-intensification in lighter shear conditions plus favorable trough influences before Ernesto crosses into cool waters," NHC advised
This is a developing story.
