Hurricane Ernesto weakened to a Category 1 storm as it approached Bermuda, bringing powerful winds, a storm surge, and the risk of flooding. The slow-moving storm was expected to pass over or near Bermuda on Saturday morning, with the worst conditions anticipated later in the day. Despite being downgraded, Ernesto was still a dangerous storm with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. Bermuda was forecast to receive up to 9 inches of rainfall from the storm.
Emergency responders were on standby in Bermuda, where the storm had already knocked out power for thousands of customers. Swells generated by Ernesto were also affecting other areas, including the Bahamas and the east coast of the United States. In New York, beaches in Brooklyn and Queens were closed to swimmers due to the risk of dangerous rip currents and swells.
While Ernesto was expected to continue weakening temporarily, it was forecast to strengthen again over the Gulf Stream. Officials urged residents in affected areas to take the storm seriously and prepare for potentially severe impacts. Bermuda’s national security minister emphasized the seriousness of the storm, warning residents to stay safe.
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