Ernesto weakens to a tropical storm after severely impacting the Bermuda Islands.

Hurricane Ernesto, which struck Bermuda over the weekend, has been downgraded to a tropical storm, marking the passage of a weather phenomenon that has left a trail of significant effects on the small island in the Atlantic. The storm, which initially formed as a Category 1 hurricane, caused concern among the local population, forcing residents to seek shelter and face adverse conditions that left over 23,000 homes without electricity. The storm, which reported maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, was located 225 kilometers northeast of Bermuda on Saturday night, moving northeast at a speed of 13 km/h. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) had issued warnings about the dangers posed by Ernesto, including potentially destructive storm surges and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding, particularly in the island's most vulnerable areas. Michelle Pitcher, director of the Bermuda Weather Service, indicated that although the storm had weakened, wind gusts were still reaching hurricane levels. Throughout the night, alerts remained in place for the population, suggesting that they stay indoors until conditions improved. Calm settled over the island, although winds continued to be a concern. Bermuda's Prime Minister, David Burt, expressed gratitude towards the emergency services and reinforced the importance of caution in the face of the imminent situation. "Stay at home," he urged citizens, reflecting the need to prioritize safety against the whims of nature. As authorities assessed the damage, the electric company BELCO struggled to restore power to the affected homes. Meanwhile, the impact of Ernesto was not limited to Bermuda. In Puerto Rico, the hurricane left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity or water, and although significant efforts have been made to restore services, many still face difficulties. The company LUMA reported progress in restoring electric service, reconnecting over 1.3 million customers, although water supply issues persist. The weather phenomenon also had repercussions in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where preparations have begun for the resumption of classes following cleanup and debris removal efforts. Educational authorities announced that public schools would resume activities, a sign of returning to normalcy after the severity of the hurricane. Ernesto, classified as the fifth named storm and the third hurricane of the Atlantic season, serves as a reminder of the increasing intensity of natural phenomena in the region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned of an above-average hurricane season, predicting a high number of storms and hurricanes, which poses an ongoing challenge for communities in the path of these events. Despite Bermuda's robust infrastructure and the fact that storm surges are not as invasive as in other lower islands, the experience of Ernesto has tested local resilience. With a territory comprising 181 small islands, the community has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to face adversities, supported by a strong sense of unity and mutual aid. The situation continues to evolve, and Ernesto is expected to pass near Newfoundland, where it could regain strength. The population remains alert for new warnings while damage assessments are conducted and recovery efforts are coordinated. The experience of this hurricane will undoubtedly be a reference point in Bermuda's recent history and a lesson on the importance of being prepared for the imminent challenges of climate change and its devastating effects.