ABC News
(NEW YORK) — Hurricane Ernesto is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane in the coming days as it moves north toward Bermuda after leaving half of Puerto Rico’s residents without power on Wednesday.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ernesto left Puerto Rico on Thursday morning with wind gusts of 90 mph (140 km/h). It brought nearly 10 inches of rain to the island. It is expected to strengthen over the coming weekend, possibly upgrading from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane.
The storm is expected to make landfall in Bermuda as a Category 2 hurricane by Friday night, with winds up to 110 mph (177 km/h). Conditions will worsen on Saturday, when the “eyewall” – and the strongest winds – could brush the island.
The approaching storm could also bring huge waves, storm surges and up to 30 centimeters of rain. A hurricane warning has been issued for the island.
After passing Bermuda, Ernesto is expected to move further north and brush the Canadian coast near Newfoundland. Damaging winds, high surf and heavy rains are expected early next week.
The approaching storm does not currently pose a direct threat to the East Coast of the United States, but its northward movement is expected to produce strong surf and rip currents through the weekend. Florida will see large waves starting Thursday night into Friday, while the Carolinas and Northeast will see similar conditions this weekend.
Puerto Rico was hit by flash flooding, storm damage and widespread power outages on Wednesday as Ernesto passed over the island. Half of the population was without power, with flooding and damage particularly pronounced in the eastern part of the island.
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