Hurricane Ernesto Approaches Bermuda After Devastating Puerto Rico

La Plata river floods a road after Tropical Storm Ernesto passed through Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)

Hurricane Ernesto is currently on a path towards Bermuda after causing significant damage in Puerto Rico. The Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday. A hurricane warning is in effect for the island.

Ernesto left hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water, exacerbating the sweltering heat that has enveloped the U.S. territory. The lack of essential services has raised concerns about the health and well-being of residents.

The storm is forecast to intensify into a major Category 3 hurricane by Friday, bringing between four to eight inches of rain to Bermuda, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has emphasized the need for residents to prepare adequately for the approaching storm.

In Puerto Rico, nearly half a million customers out of 1.4 million remain without power more than a day after Ernesto passed by the island. The power outages have also left hundreds of thousands without access to water, creating a challenging situation for many residents.

Residents in Puerto Rico face power and water shortages post-storm.

Hurricane Ernesto, Category 1, with 85 mph winds, targets Bermuda.

Ernesto expected to intensify to Category 3 before reaching Bermuda.

National Hurricane Center urges Bermuda residents to prepare for heavy rain.

Nearly half a million in Puerto Rico without power after the storm.

The current heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service warns of 'dangerously hot and humid conditions' in Puerto Rico. Concerns are mounting about the health implications for those unable to afford generators or alternative power sources in the impoverished region.

Luma Energy, the company responsible for power distribution in Puerto Rico, is working to assess the extent of the damage caused by the storm. While no catastrophic damage has been reported, the timeline for full power restoration remains uncertain. Officials are cautious about providing an exact date for when power will be fully restored.

The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which resulted in thousands of deaths, looms large in the minds of many Puerto Ricans as they navigate the challenges posed by Hurricane Ernesto. The island's population of 3.2 million, with a poverty rate exceeding 40%, faces a difficult road to recovery in the wake of the recent storm.