Strong winds, storm surge and flooding expected in Bermuda within hours

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Bermuda with hurricane conditions expected on Bermuda Saturday, with tropical storm conditions already beginning on the island.

Maximum sustained winds of Hurricane Ernesto remain near 155 km/h with higher gusts. Some gradual weakening is forecast over the next day or so, though some re-intensification is possible by early next week.

A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

Ernesto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 150 to 225 mm in Bermuda. This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island.

Swells generated by Ernesto are affecting portions of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. Swells are also beginning to affect the east coast of the United States and will likely reach portions of Atlantic Canada by late Saturday.