Hurricane Ernesto strikes Bermuda and leaves thousands without electricity in the Caribbean.

Hurricane Ernesto arrived in Bermuda early Saturday morning, unleashing a series of alerts and safety recommendations for residents of this archipelago. With maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour, the storm made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, forcing many to seek shelter as authorities prepared to face its effects. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of the possibility of dangerous storm surges and significant coastal flooding. As the hurricane slowly moved north-northeast at a speed of 15 km/h, the NHC issued forecasts of rainfall that could reach between 15 and 22 centimeters. This amount of precipitation could result in flash flooding, especially in the lower-lying areas of the islands. "These rains could cause potentially lethal flash floods," warned the NHC, leading emergency officials to intensify their monitoring efforts. Despite the hurricane's intensity, Bermuda's Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, emphasized that no reports of significant damage had yet been received. Damage assessments were underway, and authorities urged residents to remain alert. "We want to reiterate that the storm is not over," Weeks stated, highlighting the importance of being prepared for adverse conditions that could persist through the end of the weekend. Meanwhile, Bermuda's electric company, BELCO, reported that over 26,000 customers lost power as the hurricane moved through the region. The situation led many to seek refuge in safer accommodations. Lana Morris, a manager at a lodging establishment in Bermuda, shared that although conditions were relatively calm, the wind was beginning to pick up again. "I’ve spoken with my guests, and they told me they still have electricity and running water," she said, providing some relief amid the storm. Historically, the arrival of a hurricane of this magnitude in Bermuda is a rare event. Since 1850, only 11 of the 130 tropical storms have made landfall in this island territory. This is partly due to the elevation of the archipelago, which helps to mitigate the effects of storm surges. However, the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto has led authorities to take extraordinary measures to safeguard the population and minimize risks. Ernesto has also had a significant impact on other Caribbean islands, particularly Puerto Rico, where it left hundreds of thousands without electricity or water. More than 115,000 customers on the island are still without power, raising concerns about the severe heat conditions forecasted for the coming days. Authorities have established a plan to restore electricity to 90% of customers by Sunday, although no date has been provided for full recovery. Following Ernesto's passage, schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will resume activities on Monday, marking a return to normalcy after days of disruptions. Cleanup and recovery efforts are underway as communities begin to assess and repair the damage caused by the storm. Hurricane Ernesto is the fifth named storm of the current season and the third to become a hurricane. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggest that this Atlantic hurricane season will be above average due to high ocean temperatures. Between 17 and 25 named storms are expected to develop, with at least four to seven major hurricanes. The situation in Bermuda and other parts of the Caribbean serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and power of nature. As residents adapt to challenging conditions, collaboration between emergency agencies and the local community will be crucial in facing the upcoming challenges. The resilience of the islands, combined with effective preparation and response, will be essential to overcome this episode and prepare for future weather events.