Hurricane Ernesto, which formed from Tropical Storm Ernesto, has brought a wave of disruptions across the Caribbean. Puerto Rico, which bore the brunt of the storm’s initial impact, experienced widespread power outages affecting half of the island on Wednesday. While conditions have subsided, the eastern coastline, including Vieques and Culebra, continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds. Ferry services to these islands remain suspended, pending improvements in ocean conditions.
The storm’s path has also impacted travel throughout the region. On August 15, San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) saw significant delays, with approximately 86% of flights impacted. While only one flight was canceled at SJU, airports in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), reported widespread delays.
Cruise lines have also made significant adjustments to their itineraries to avoid the storm. Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruises have all shifted routes, cancelled stops, and adjusted arrival and departure times to ensure the safety of passengers.
As Hurricane Ernesto moves closer to Bermuda, the British Overseas Territory has issued a hurricane warning. The Bermuda Weather Service has warned of large swells, hazardous surf conditions, including rip currents, and the potential for hurricane-force winds by Friday.
While the storm is avoiding the mainland United States, the National Hurricane Center has cautioned that swells from Ernesto could create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the East Coast beaches this weekend.
