Hurricane Ernesto Intensifies to Category 1, Causing Widespread Power Outages and Flooding in Puerto Rico

Hurricane Ernesto strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Puerto Rico, where nearly half the island lost power and flash flood warnings were issued. By 11 p.m. ET, Ernesto had moved past Puerto Rico and was located 175 miles northeast of Grand Turk island, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.
The storm, which is expected to reach Category 3 strength by Friday, is on a path toward Bermuda, with the Bermuda Weather Service issuing a hurricane watch. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Ernesto to remain offshore of the U.S. East Coast but warns of life-threatening surf and rip currents due to swells reaching the region through the weekend.
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands experienced significant rainfall, with totals up to 10 inches in southeastern Puerto Rico and 6 inches across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Governor Pedro Pierluisi reported that power outages also left over 200,000 homes and businesses without water.
In response to the storm, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, enabling federal assistance for local recovery efforts. Preparations included closing government offices, shutting schools, activating the National Guard, and opening shelters.
Forecasters predict Ernesto will continue drifting along the western Atlantic before becoming a major hurricane, remaining far from the continental U.S.