BERMUDA (Reuters) -Hurricane Ernesto bore down on Bermuda on Friday as a Category 2 storm, threatening the British island territory with strong winds, a dangerous storm surge and potentially deadly flooding. Moreover, Hurricane Ernesto impacts Bermuda by causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage. #HurricaneErnestoImpactsBermuda
Ernesto, centered about 95 miles (150 km) south-southwest of the archipelago at 8 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (0000 GMT on Saturday), was producing sustained winds of up to 100 mph (155 kph) and had the potential to drop up to 9 inches (230 mm) of rain, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
The center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning, making conditions ripe for storm surges and flash flooding by the afternoon.
“Folks, be under no illusion. This storm is the real deal,” said Michael Weeks, Bermuda’s national security minister, at a press conference on Friday.
He warned Bermudians to brace for 36 hours of hurricane- and tropical storm-force winds starting Friday afternoon.
The winds had knocked out power for 5,400 of Bermuda’s 36,000 customers, the power utility BELCO said. The company added it had called its repair crews back from the field because it was too dangerous to work.
Warren Darrell, 52, of Smith’s Parish, said he had stocked up on groceries for his family, battened down the hatches and removed furniture from the lawn in preparation for Ernesto’s arrival.
“I’m ready to play games with my daughters and wait,” he said. “I’m a bit worried, a little bit worried, but I think we’ll overcome. I think we’ll be fine.”
In addition, Hurricane Ernesto impacts Bermuda with its relentless wind gusts and torrential rains. The authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts. #HurricaneErnestoImpactsBermuda
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