Hurricane Ernesto made landfall in Bermuda on Saturday morning, bringing “dangerous weather” to the Atlantic island, which continues even as the storm moves on, the National Hurricane Center said.
The hurricane made landfall on the island Category 1 storm around 4:30 am.
A tropical storm warning is still in effect for Bermuda, where 6 to 9 inches of rain could create “life-threatening” flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas, the hurricane center said in an 11 a.m. update. Coastal flooding is possible on the island, coupled with “large and destructive waves.”
“Hurricane-like winds are likely to continue in Bermuda for a few more hours,” the hurricane center said. “Tropical storm conditions are likely to continue this evening or into tonight.”
Ernesto was about 60 miles northeast of Bermuda on Saturday afternoon and was moving north-northeast at 7 mph. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
The storm’s current motion is expected to continue into early Sunday, with northeastward acceleration expected late Monday into Tuesday.
“On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto will move slowly away from Bermuda today and pass near southeastern Newfoundland Monday and Monday night,” the hurricane center said. Hazardous coastal conditions will continue along the East Coast into early next week.
In a statement, the Bermuda government warned that even as the storm’s eye moves north of the island, the southern eyewall is still expected to take its toll.
“Don’t be fooled by the lackluster winds…the 2nd half of Ernesto is yet to pass us,” the government said. X.
According to local authorities, more than 26,000 utility customers are without power in Bermuda, which is 72% of the island. At a news conference, Bermuda Weather Service Director Michelle Pitcher told residents to be aware of hurricane-force winds throughout the morning across the island.
“Then it looks like the wind will slow down throughout the afternoon. However, we will still have strong tropical storm force winds as we get closer to this evening,” he said.
Officials said there had been no major damage in Bermuda so far, but emergency services were also on limited patrols due to strong winds.
Video captured by an NBC News crew in the island’s capital, Hamilton, showed some debris, including downed palm fronds and tree branches, but no damage to buildings. In Southampton, strong winds could be seen blowing through palm trees. Trees, poles and branches were also downed in the area.