Ernesto Becomes a Hurricane, Bringing Power Outages and Flooding
(CNN) — Ernesto intensified into a hurricane north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning, causing flooding rains and strong winds that left hundreds of thousands without power in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Category 1 hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph as it passed near the islands, impacting the region with gusts exceeding 74 mph, equivalent to hurricane force. The storm brought heavy rain, flash flooding, and power outages, affecting the daily lives of residents.
Power Outages and Preparations
More than 600,000 customers in Puerto Rico and nearly 46,000 in the U.S. Virgin Islands were left without power as Ernesto made its way through the area. The storm’s effects were felt across the islands, with half a foot of rain falling in Puerto Rico and flash flood warnings issued for multiple locations. Residents were urged to prepare for widespread power outages, with the fragile electrical grid still recovering from previous disasters.
Response and Future Impact
Authorities mobilized the National Guard and opened shelters to assist those affected by the storm. Despite the challenges, response teams were dispatched to address the outages and provide support to the communities. As Ernesto moves into the Atlantic Ocean, it is expected to intensify into a major hurricane and potentially impact Bermuda. The storm’s path will influence the level of impact on the island, with preparations underway for potential risks.
As the region navigates through the aftermath of Ernesto, the focus remains on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of residents. The storm’s wide-reaching impact serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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