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Hurricane Ernesto (2024)

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Hurricane Ernesto
Ernesto at peak intensity approaching Bermuda on August 16
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 12, 2024
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds100 mph (155 km/h)
Lowest pressure968 mbar (hPa); 28.59 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedLeeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Ernesto is an active Atlantic hurricane currently impacting Bermuda. The fifth named storm and third hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Ernesto developed from a tropical wave east of the Leeward Islands. The storm moved towards the Antilles, impacting several nations. Ernesto then turned north intensifying to become a Category 1 hurricane before approaching Bermuda as a Category 2.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On August 8, the NHC noted that an area of low pressure could form in the central or tropical Atlantic.[1] Later that day, they began tracking a tropical wave southwest of Cabo Verde.[2] Shower activity associated with the wave began increasing two days later,[3] later showing signs of organization on August 11.[4] As a result, later that day, the disturbance developed into a low-pressure area.[5] As the system was expected to impact the Leeward Islands, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Five soon after.[6] The next day, the system organized enough to become a tropical storm, being named Ernesto.[7] Ernesto would intensify as it moved through the Lesser Antilles, impacting the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.[8] Favorable environment conditions allowed Ernesto to intensify further, becoming a hurricane on August 14.[9] It intensified further, peaking as a Category 2 hurricane a day later.[10] Following this, Ernesto would weaken due to wind shear before making landfall in Bermuda at 8:30 UTC on August 17 as a Category 1 hurricane.[11]

Preparations

A tropical storm warning was issued in preparation for Ernesto in both the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.[12] One was also issued in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, the French West Indies (apart from Martinique), Sint Maarten, and United States Virgin Islands.[13]

Leeward Islands

Orange alerts were issued for the French territories of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy. The offices of France Travail closed on August 13 with remaining teams mobilized via telephone.[14] In Sint Maarten, the Dutch portion of Saint Martin, Princess Juliana International Airport closed at August 13 and reopened the following day.[15] Schools in the territory were closed. Prime Minister Luc Mercelina ordered political parties and businesses to remove billboards and other apparatus from public roads.[16] The VC Bird International Airport in Antigua closed on the night of August 12 and reopened the following afternoon.[17]

Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico National Guard was mobilized ahead of the arrival of the storm. The government also delayed the start of classes for public schools and froze prices for essential goods, while municipal mayors activated emergency plans. LUMA Energy said that there were over 1,000 workers and more than $200 million worth of supplies ready to respond to power outages due to the storm, as well as independent contractors.[18] The National Guard also transfered the only remaining native parrots, the Puerto Rico Amazon, on the island indoors.[19]

Bermuda

Bermuda was placed under a hurricane warning.[20]

Elsewhere

Dangerous rip currents were warned for in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Dominican Republic.[21]

In New York City, parks and the beaches of Brooklyn and Queens were shut down.[22]

Impact

Leeward Islands

A gust of 56 miles per hour (90 km/h) was recorded in Saint Barthélemy and 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) in Saint Martin.[23] In Sint Maarten, minor damage was reported. Localized flooding occured while some bits of debris were thrown around.[24] As Ernesto passed south of Anguilla, it brought strong winds and hazardous surf conditions to the island. The Blowing Hole and Sandy Ground ports were closed in preparation for the storm, and the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport closed early until further notice.[25] On the island of Sint Eustatius, many trees were downed, including a large one in Hell Hole that was completely snapped in half. Almost every village on the island had some damage. Multiple roadways were damaged and flooded. One road needed to be stabilized by a backhoe. Power outages occured, though power was quickly restored. Part of a historic stone structure was knocked into a wall that resided below.[26] In Saint Kitts and Nevis, powerlines and trees were downed, while workers needed to clear roads of debris after Ernesto passed by. The National Emergency Management Agency of St. Kitts advised residents to stay off roads and potentially unstable ground.[27] Power outages occured in Antigua and Barbuda.[28] In Montserrat, heavy rainfall and winds from Ernesto damaged a ship in Little Bay. The boat was carrying roughly 250 litres (66 US gal) of diesel oil, though the Oil Spill Team was able to recover it.[29]

Several main roads on the island of Guadeloupe were closed due to the storm.[30] More than 45,000 customers lost power in the Virgin Islands[31] as a result of hurricane force wind gusts. The entirety of Saint Croix and Saint Thomas lost electricity.[32] By August 14, many roads in the US Virgin Islands were still damaged and residents were urged to stay off of them. Many trees and utility poles were knocked down by winds across the islands, while branches from the trees were scattered across the roadways.[33] At least six cellphone towers were knocked offline in the Virgin Islands.[34]

Power outages occured in Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands and Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. All schools were closed prior to the storms arrival.[35] Over 10,000 people were still without power in the US Virgin Islands on August 16.[36][37]

Puerto Rico

Sustained winds on the island of Culebra reached 86 mph (138 km/h),[32] where downed trees blocked roads and roofs were blown off. Over 728,000 households in Puerto Rico lost power, around half of the island. An additional 235,000 households suffered water outages.[38] United States President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico.[20] Multiple rivers on the island overflowed, damaging roads and causing flooding.[39]

By morning on August 16, over 200,000 Puerto Ricans were still without power.[36]

Bermuda

Ernesto made a direct landfall on Bermuda. Life-threatening flooding was expected. Over three-quarters of Bermuda was left without power as the storm passed by. The L.F. Wade International Airport was closed, while public transportation was banned.[40] Large, destructive waves battered the island.[41]

Elsewhere

Swells generated by Ernesto effected the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.[21]

References

  1. ^ Bucci, Lisa (August 8, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  2. ^ Zelinsky, D. (August 8, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  3. ^ Beven, Jack (August 10, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  4. ^ Papin, Philippe (August 11, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  5. ^ Cangialosi, John (August 11, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Potential Tropical Cyclone Five Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  8. ^ "Hurricane Ernesto Strikes Puerto Rico | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  9. ^ Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 12 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  10. ^ Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 18 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  11. ^ Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. August 17, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  12. ^ Gilbert, Mary (2024-08-12). "Tropical Storm Ernesto is headed for Puerto Rico. Here's where it could go next". CNN. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  13. ^ Pasch, Richard (2024-08-12). "Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  14. ^ "Tempête Ernesto : Saint-Martin a été placée en vigilance orange". Soualiga Post (in French). August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  15. ^ "Princess Juliana International Airport to close due to storm". Loop Carribbean News. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  16. ^ "Schools closed in Sint Maarten due to approaching weather system". Loop News Carribbean. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  17. ^ "VC Bird International Airport closes tonight due to the storm". Loop News Caribbean. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  18. ^ "'There will be power service interruptions': Puerto Rico braces for Tropical Storm Ernesto". August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  19. ^ Coto, Dánica (2024-08-13). "Tropical Storm Ernesto batters northeast Caribbean and aims at Puerto Rico". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  20. ^ a b Jones, Judson (2024-08-15). "Ernesto Prompts Hurricane Warning for Bermuda as It Grows Stronger". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  21. ^ a b Czachor, Emily Mae (2024-08-15). "Maps show Hurricane Ernesto's path and forecast as it heads toward Bermuda - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  22. ^ Patterson, Jasmine; Muirhead, Nicole (2024-08-17). "Hurricane Ernesto hits Bermuda as a weakened but still dangerous storm". Reuters. Bermuda. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  23. ^ "Tropical Storm blows into Caribbean with target set on Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico". Orlando Sentinel. 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  24. ^ "Tropical Storm Ernesto Passes Near St. Maarten with Minimal Damage". Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  25. ^ Bird, Rebecca (2024-08-13). "Closures announced as Tropical Storm Ernesto passes Anguilla". Anguilla Focus | News. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  26. ^ Opsman (2024-08-15). "Tropical Storm Ernesto causes damage on Statia". The Daily Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  27. ^ "NEOC Deactivated Following Tropical Storm Ernesto's Gradual Departure From St. Kitts And Nevis". The St Kitts Nevis Observer. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  28. ^ Reporter, Lilith Foster-Collins News (2024-08-14). "Ernesto intensifies into hurricane: Track its path toward Bermuda". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  29. ^ "Oil spill team deployed to storm damaged boat in Little Bay". Montserrat Focus | News. 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  30. ^ "Tropical Storm Ernesto hits Caribbean and intensifies en route to Puerto Rico". The Guardian. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Associated Press. August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  31. ^ "Hurricane Ernesto Strikes Puerto Rico | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  32. ^ a b Christopher Cann; Thao Nguyen; Krystal Nurse (August 14, 2024). "Ernesto intensifies into Category 1 hurricane north of Puerto Rico". USA Today. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  33. ^ "US Virgin Islands Officials Urge Residents to Stay Off Roads as Dangerous Conditions Persist After Tropical Storm Ernesto". Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  34. ^ Johnson, Dacia (2024-08-15). "Hurricane Ernesto: Hundreds of thousands without power in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands". WESH. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  35. ^ "Tropical Storm Ernesto drenches northeast Caribbean and takes aim at Puerto Rico". AP News. 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
  36. ^ a b Gilbert, Mary (2024-08-15). "Hurricane Ernesto will cause dangerous beach conditions for East Coast this weekend". CNN. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  37. ^ "Hurricane Ernesto makes landfall on Bermuda as a category 1 storm". www.npr.org. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  38. ^ Nadine El-Bawab; Max Golembo; Melissa Griffin (August 14, 2024). "Ernesto becomes hurricane after leaving 728,000 without power in Puerto Rico". ABC News. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  39. ^ "Ernesto now a hurricane, brings "significant flooding" to Puerto Rico". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-16.
  40. ^ Coto, Dánica (2024-08-17). "Hurricane Ernesto makes landfall on Bermuda as a Category 1 storm". ABC News. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  41. ^ McCloud, Cheryl; Luciani, Kim. "Hurricane Ernesto closing in on Bermuda. Expect dangerous beach conditions in Florida". The St. Lucie News-Tribune. Retrieved 2024-08-17 – via Microsoft News.
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