Ernesto Becomes Hurricane, Approaches Bermuda

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is advancing toward Bermuda, having already left hundreds of thousands in Puerto Rico without power or water amid extreme heat. With maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, Ernesto is expected to approach Bermuda on Saturday, prompting a hurricane warning. National Security Minister Michael Weeks emphasized the importance of preparedness, recalling the severe consequences of past complacency during storms. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Ernesto may strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane before weakening as it nears Bermuda, where heavy rainfall is anticipated. In Puerto Rico, the storm has generated southern winds, exacerbating the heat and raising health concerns for residents, particularly those who lived through the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory, warning of dangerously hot conditions. Many residents are struggling without power, and officials are uncertain when electricity will be fully restored, especially for those unable to afford generators or solar panels in a territory with a poverty rate exceeding 40%. As crews assess the damage, Luma Energy's president, Juan Saca, reported no catastrophic destruction has been identified. However, Alejandro González, the company's operations director, refrained from providing a timeline for power restoration, citing the unpredictability of the situation. The storm has already caused significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and road blockages due to flooding and debris. Emergency preparations are underway as the region braces for further impacts from Ernesto.