More than half of all homes and businesses in Puerto Rico have been left without power, following the arrival of Storm Ernesto. The Caribbean island’s main power supplier LUMA Energy said some 998,000 customers did not have access to electricity 03:05 EDT (07:05 GMT), according to BBC’s US partner News. Ernesto, which grew into a category 1 hurricane on Wednesday, is continuing to strengthen with gusts of up to 85mph (140km/h) heading further north towards Bermuda, where it is expected to make landfall on Friday.
Forecasters predict it could become a major hurricane in the next 48 hours. The storm swept past Puerto Rico overnight, with up to 10in (25cm) of rain expected in some places, the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. Juan Saca, LUMA’s president and chief executive, said more than 1,500 employees were working in the field to “re-establish service” and switch the electricity back on.
“We have to evaluate what needs to be done to be able to resolve it,” he told Reuters news agency.
Puerto Rico’s power grid has been wiped out before by hurricanes. In 2022, when Hurricane Fiona hit the island, around 80% of homes and businesses were cut off for almost a month. Ernesto is the fifth named Atlantic storm to occur this season.
Hurricane Beryl was the earliest Category 5 storm on record in the Atlantic when it swept through the Caribbean and the Texas Gulf Coast last month, killing dozens of people and leaving millions without electricity. Hurricane Ernesto hit Puerto Rico on Wednesday, knocking out power for nearly half of all homes and businesses on the Caribbean island as it threatened to strengthen into a major hurricane en route to Bermuda.
More than 725,000 homes and businesses in the US territory were without electricity from out of a total of around 1.5 million users, according to LUMA Energy, the island’s main energy supplier.
By early Thursday, the storm was over open water about 675 miles (1,085 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and moving northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).
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Warnings in place for beaches on US East Coast
“Hurricane conditions are possible on Bermuda on Saturday,” the National Hurricane Center posted on social media. “The risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents is expected to increase along the US East Coast beaches this weekend.”
Regarding the threat to the US East Coast, Robbie Berg, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Hurricane Center, said: “Anybody who goes to the beach, even if the weather is beautiful and nice, it could be dangerous, with those rip currents.” Meanwhile, tropical storm warnings were discontinued for Puerto Rico and its outlying islands of Culebra and Vieques and for the US and British Virgin Islands. “I know it was a long night listening to that wind howl,” US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. told reporters.
Bermuda braces itself
A Category 1 hurricane, Ernesto was gradually strengthening and could be deemed a Category 3 hurricane by Friday. “Residents need to prepare now before conditions worsen,” Bermuda’s National Security Minister Michael Weeks said. “Now is not the time for complacency.”
Storm Ernesto Devastation
Hurricane Ernesto made landfall with forceful winds and heavy rain, causing widespread damage across Puerto Rico. The storm’s impact has been particularly severe on the island’s electrical infrastructure, resulting in extensive power outages. The blackout has affected nearly half of Puerto Rico, disrupting daily life and essential services, including hospitals and emergency response units.
The power outages have left many homes and businesses in the dark, complicating recovery efforts and making it difficult for residents to access basic necessities. The loss of power also poses a significant challenge for those with medical conditions that require electricity, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
In response to the crisis, local and federal agencies have launched a coordinated effort to restore power and provide aid. Utility crews are working tirelessly to repair damaged lines and restore electricity, while emergency services are focused on assisting affected communities. Shelters have been set up to offer refuge to those displaced by the storm, and relief organizations are distributing food, water, and medical supplies.
The government has also mobilized resources to address immediate needs and support the ongoing recovery process. Volunteers and community groups are playing a crucial role in providing assistance and ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
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