Hurricane Ernesto causes devastation in Puerto Rico and is headed towards Bermuda.

Tropical Storm Ernesto has reached hurricane status on Wednesday, August 14, causing significant damage along its path through the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico. The torrential rains associated with Ernesto have led to power outages across nearly half of Puerto Rico, leaving thousands of residents without electricity. Local authorities are now faced with the task of assessing the damage and restoring essential services as quickly as possible. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), based in Miami, has been monitoring Ernesto's trajectory, which is moving northward across the Atlantic Ocean. Forecasts indicate that the hurricane could pass through the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda in the coming days. According to the NHC, there is a possibility that Ernesto could strengthen into a major hurricane within the next 48 hours, heightening concerns about its impact. On Thursday, August 15, Ernesto is expected to start affecting Bermuda, where flash flooding is anticipated to extend throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the intensity of the rainfall will decrease as the storm moves away from the region, allowing emergency teams to assess the damage and plan an appropriate response. Although Ernesto is not expected to make landfall on the continental United States, the NHC has warned the East Coast about the possibility of dangerous surf. This phenomenon, caused by the storm, could impact beachgoers and create hazardous conditions at the shore. Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution and follow the guidance of lifeguards, who are trained to handle potentially dangerous situations in the water. NHC meteorologist Robbie Berg emphasized that, despite the weather appearing pleasant along the coast, ocean currents can be extremely dangerous. "This means that anyone who goes to the beach, even if the weather is nice and beautiful, could be in danger due to strong currents," Berg stated, highlighting the importance of public safety in this situation. As Hurricane Ernesto continues its path, Puerto Rico faces a bleak outlook. Severe flooding has led to road closures, and fallen trees have further complicated transit conditions. The cancellation of at least 140 flights has left many travelers stranded, as airlines work to restore operations. Authorities in Puerto Rico have taken proactive measures in response to this emergency. One of the country's largest dams has been opened to control water flow and prevent catastrophic flooding. Additionally, evacuations have been carried out in coastal communities, especially in northern Toa Baja, where water currents can pose a serious threat to residents' lives. The impact of Ernesto has highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure and services on the island, underscoring the need for adequate disaster preparedness. With the hurricane moving toward new areas, authorities and the population must remain vigilant and ready to respond to any eventuality. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced support measures for communities affected by Hurricane Berly, another weather system that has brought additional challenges. Residents will be able to access immediate assistance of $750 to mitigate the effects of the storm, a measure that could be crucial for those who have suffered significant losses. The situation in the region continues to evolve, and authorities are urging the public to stay informed about weather updates and safety recommendations. With the arrival of hurricanes and tropical storms, preparedness and rapid response are essential to protect lives and property in these vulnerable communities.