Hurricane Ernesto Strikes Bermuda with Devastating 35ft Waves and Intense Winds
In a rare occurrence, Hurricane Ernesto made a direct hit on Bermuda early Saturday morning, bringing with it destructive 35ft (10.5 meters) waves and winds reaching speeds of 85 mph (137 km/h). The Category 1 hurricane's impact sparked warnings of life-threatening flooding and storm surges across the British territory.
A Rare Hurricane Event for Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto's path was described by meteorologists as a "rare event" for the Atlantic archipelago. Bermuda, composed of 181 small islands and home to approximately 64,000 residents, has seen fewer than a dozen hurricanes make landfall since the 1850s. The eye of the storm passed directly over Bermuda, a trajectory that has historically been uncommon for the area.
Severe Weather and Power Outages
Bermuda experienced up to 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, as predicted by authorities. Before Ernesto's landfall, over 5,400 electricity customers lost power as strong gusts pummeled the islands. Meteorologists forecasted as much as 9 inches (23 cm) of rainfall, with the storm's hurricane-force winds extending 75 miles from its center and tropical storm-force winds reaching up to 275 miles.
Local resident Warren Darrell, 52, prepared his home by securing furniture and gathering provisions for his family. Although concerned, Darrell remained hopeful, stating, "I’m a bit worried, but I think we’ll overcome. I think we’ll be fine."
Widespread Impact Beyond Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto's effects weren't confined to Bermuda. The storm's powerful ocean swells reached the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast, causing significant damage. In North Carolina, a house was swept into the sea due to massive waves triggered by the storm, while New York City officials closed beaches in Brooklyn and Queens, warning of hazardous rip currents and swells of up to 6ft over the weekend.
The storm's trajectory continued toward the northeast, with meteorologists predicting that parts of Newfoundland in Canada could see rain and strong winds by Monday.
Ernesto: A Sign of an Active Hurricane Season
Ernesto is the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which is forecasted to be "extremely active." The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 17-24 named storms during the season, with 8-13 expected to become hurricanes. Of these hurricanes, 4-7 could escalate into major storms, with winds exceeding 111 mph (179 km/h).
This year's Atlantic hurricane season is poised to be one of the most active on record, fueled by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, weaker trade winds, and an intensified West African monsoon. The climate crisis, driven by human activities like fossil fuel combustion, has significantly contributed to rising ocean temperatures, which in turn amplify storm activity. The potential development of the oceanic cycle La Niña further complicates the season's forecast.
The Impact of Climate Change on Hurricane Activity
Experts attribute the intensifying hurricane seasons to the ongoing climate crisis, which is causing ocean temperatures to rise. As the planet warms due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes are expected to grow. Ernesto’s arrival is a stark reminder of how vulnerable coastal regions are to climate change-induced extreme weather events.
Last month, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record, causing significant fatalities and damage across the Caribbean and southern U.S. states. As the hurricane season progresses, residents in vulnerable regions must remain vigilant and prepared for the potentially catastrophic storms that lie ahead.
News Agencies