Hurricane Ernesto, a rapidly intensifying storm that took an unexpected northward turn, has wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico, leaving over 700,000 residents without power. The storm, which initially formed in the Caribbean and was predicted to hit the region, surprised meteorologists by veering north, quickly gaining strength and reaching hurricane status on Wednesday morning.
Puerto Rico bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, with torrential rains, strong winds, and flash flooding reported across the island. Luma Energy, the power utility, warned of widespread outages and outlined plans to prioritize restoration efforts for critical infrastructure and vulnerable residents.
While the U.S. East Coast is expected to escape the direct impact of Ernesto, large swells and dangerous surf conditions are forecast for the region this weekend.
As Ernesto continues its northward path, concerns are growing for Atlantic Canada. The storm is projected to reach the region as early as Monday morning, bringing with it the potential for high winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. Meteorologists are closely monitoring Ernesto’s trajectory and intensity, urging residents in the potential path of the storm to stay informed and prepared.
This early-season hurricane serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of Atlantic storm systems.
