VOA News | Friday, August 16, 2024 
Hurricane Ernesto moves toward Bermuda

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. forecasters said Hurricane Ernesto remained a category 2 storm Friday as it churns in the Atlantic Ocean on a path toward the island of Bermuda, where it is predicted to bring high winds, heavy rain and strong surf. At last report, Ernesto was about 415 kilometers (258 miles) south-southwest of Bermuda and was moving to the north-northeast at 20 kph (13 mph). It has maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (about 100 mph). A hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda, where Ernesto is expected to produce 15 to 30 centimeters (up to 12 inches) of rain with isolated maximum amounts up 38 centimeters (15 inches). Forecasters said this could result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding. Officials in the British territory announced Thursday they would suspend public transportation and close the airport by Friday night. National Security Minister Michael Weeks had urged people to complete their hurricane preparations by Thursday. While forecasters initially predicted Ernesto would continue to strengthen and possibly become a major storm — a Category 3 hurricane or stronger — by the time it reached Bermuda, they now say that strengthening seemingly halted overnight, although it has not lost its punch. Ernesto was expected to strengthen further Friday…Read more