On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Bermuda faced the impact of Hurricane Ernesto, a category 1 storm that made landfall on the small British Overseas Territory. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that at 6 a.m., the storm was directly over the island, with maximum sustained winds reaching 85 mph (140 kph).
Authorities issued warnings for residents to prepare for strong winds, dangerous storm surges, and significant coastal flooding. The Bermuda government announced that hurricane-strength winds were expected to persist until Saturday afternoon, with tropical storm-strength winds continuing well into Sunday, August 18.
Bermuda, a territory of approximately 54 square kilometers, is known for its resilience in the face of Atlantic storms. Located about 1,070 km east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the island is no stranger to hurricane activity. Despite its small size, Bermuda boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally, with an economy primarily based on offshore insurance and reinsurance.
The territory's unique geography, including its pink sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal impacts from storms like Ernesto. Bermuda's reliance on rainfall for its water supply, due to the absence of freshwater lakes or rivers, adds to the challenges faced during severe weather events.
As residents hunkered down, the storm's effects were felt across the island, from the capital city of Hamilton to the numerous golf courses that give Bermuda the highest concentration of such facilities per square mile worldwide. The territory's subtropical climate and surrounding coral reefs typically provide a picturesque setting, but during Hurricane Ernesto, they faced the brunt of nature's forces.
While Bermuda is often mistakenly associated with the Caribbean, it stands alone in the North Atlantic, discovered in 1505 by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez. The island's isolation and position have contributed to its fame as part of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, adding an intriguing backdrop to the current weather crisis.
As the storm continues to impact the island, authorities are focusing on ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing damage to infrastructure. The coming days will be crucial for Bermuda as it begins to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Ernesto and initiates recovery efforts.