Ernesto is dealing a blow to Bermuda and has raised the threat to much of the eastern seaboard of the United States after battering Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, leaving millions without power.
Strong winds from the massive Category 2 hurricane spread hundreds of miles from its center and began battering Bermuda with gusts Friday afternoon, before making its closest approach to the island on Saturday. Hurricane Ernesto warnings are in effect for the island.
Ernesto’s strength this weekend was fueled by extremely warm Atlantic waters – a phenomenon that is becoming more frequent globally due to fossil fuel pollution – but dry air interacting with the system Prevented from strengthening explosives.
The hurricane’s center will pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday, but on Friday drenching rain and tropical-storm-force winds were already underway on the tiny island, about a third the size of Washington, D.C. is
According to the National Hurricane Center, Bermuda International Airport reported tropical storm-like conditions with sustained winds of 41 mph to 63 mph.
Dangerous surf for the eastern seaboard
Ernesto will have far-reaching effects, despite being far from the major land masses.
A hurricane would create massive waves in the open Atlanticᅳperhaps up to 40 feet highᅳthat would spread hundreds of miles away. These high tides will bring rough seas and dangerous waves to parts of the US East Coast, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean early next week.