Hurricane Ernesto Threatens Bermuda, Leaves Puerto Rico in Darkness

Hurricane Ernesto has intensified to a Category 2 storm and is heading towards Bermuda, promising substantial damage due to strong winds and heavy rain. Previously, the hurricane left nearly 407,000 Puerto Rican homes without power. The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts further strengthening as the storm approaches Bermuda.

Hurricane Ernesto intensified to a Category 2 hurricane on Thursday as it advanced toward Bermuda, potentially causing significant damage with powerful winds and heavy rain over the weekend. The storm left hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans without power after battering the island earlier this week.

At 11 p.m. ET Thursday (0300 GMT Friday), Ernesto was located 410 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, moving northward with sustained winds of 100 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicated further strengthening is expected, possibly reaching major hurricane status by Friday.

Bermuda braces for the storm, which could bring up to 15 inches of rain leading to life-threatening flash floods. With a fragile power grid, Puerto Rico reported some 407,000 homes and businesses without electricity. LUMA Energy, the island's main power provider, has restored power to 300,000 users but frustrations linger among residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)