Hurricane Ernesto lashes Bermuda as wealthy British territory closes down
Hurricane Ernesto has started to pound Bermuda with heavy winds and rain after officials on the tiny British territory in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean opened shelters and closed government offices
By DÁNICA COTO
Published - Aug 16, 2024, 08:19 PM ET
Last Updated - Aug 16, 2024, 08:19 PM EDT
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto began to pound Bermuda late Friday with heavy winds and rain after officials in the tiny British territory in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean opened shelters and closed government offices.
The Category 2 storm located 95 miles (150 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda was packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph). It was moving northeast at 13 mph (20 kph).
Ernesto’s large eye will likely be very near or over Bermuda early Saturday morning, with significant coastal flooding expected, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion,” the center said.
