Hurricane Ernesto: Bermuda Prepares for Another Major Storm
Hurricane Ernesto is set to hit Bermuda on Saturday morning, causing potential storm surges, flash flooding, and strong winds. Bermuda, often affected by tropical cyclones, braces for heavy rainfall and possible devastation. Historical storms like Fabian, Fay, Gonzalo, and Nicole have previously impacted the island significantly.
Hurricane Ernesto is poised to strike Bermuda on Saturday morning, bringing with it perilous storm surges, flash flooding, strong winds, and up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rainfall over the weekend. The British island territory, with its 64,000 residents spread over numerous small islands, has a well-documented history with storms in the Atlantic. Tropical cyclones frequently usher in stormy weather, with particularly damaging events occurring once every six or seven years.
Due to its small size, Bermuda rarely experiences hurricanes making landfall, where the eye of the storm passes directly over the islands. Since record-keeping began in 1851, only 11 storms have done so. Noteworthy hurricanes in recent times include:
FABIAN, 2003: Although Hurricane Fabian's eastern eyewall struck Bermuda as a Category 3 storm, causing substantial devastation, it did not make landfall. With wind speeds over 120 mph (193 kph) and waves measuring 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m), it resulted in $300 million in property damage and four fatalities.
FAY AND GONZALO, 2014: In an unprecedented event, two hurricanes, Fay and Gonzalo, made landfall on Bermuda within six days in 2014. While residents were rebuilding after Category 1 Fay, Category 2 Gonzalo caused further damage, with costs ranging between $200 million and $400 million.
NICOLE, 2016: Categorized initially as a Category 4, Hurricane Nicole hit Bermuda as a Category 2 storm. It caused widespread disruption with wind gusts up to 119 mph (192 kph), toppling trees and power lines, and cutting electricity to 90% of the island's customers. Nicole was among Bermuda's wettest storms, recording 6.77 inches (17.2 cm) of rainfall.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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