Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 1 storm, battered Puerto Rico with torrential rain and knocked out power for almost half of the island’s residents. The storm left a trail of damage, including downed trees, flooded roads, and damaged roofs. More than 140 flights were canceled to and from the island, and schools and government agencies were closed. The U.S. Virgin Islands also experienced power outages and downed cellphone towers. Ernesto is now moving towards Bermuda, where a hurricane watch is in effect. Tropical storm conditions are possible on Friday and hurricane conditions on Saturday.
While Ernesto was passing over Puerto Rico, it was gradually strengthening and is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday. The storm’s center is expected to pass near Bermuda on Saturday, bringing potential rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with heavier amounts in some areas. Bermuda’s National Security Minister Michael Weeks urged residents to prepare for the storm’s potential impact.
The storm’s impact on Puerto Rico has further exposed the island’s vulnerability due to its fragile power grid, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. More than 640,000 customers were left without power, and 23 hospitals were operating on generators. The company responsible for power transmission and distribution, Luma Energy, has prioritized restoring power to hospitals, water and sewer companies, and other essential services. However, the slow pace of recovery has been a source of frustration for many residents, particularly those who cannot afford generators.
While the island continues to struggle with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Ernesto’s arrival serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Puerto Rico faces in recovering from past disasters and preparing for future storms. The storm’s trajectory and intensity are still being monitored closely, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
