A Category 2 hurricane is approaching Bermuda, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the impending dangers.
Bermuda has initiated lockdown procedures on August 16 in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ernesto.
The island is bracing for at least 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm force winds, posing a significant risk to life and property.
Residents are urged to take the warnings seriously to avoid putting themselves and emergency personnel in danger.
Tropical-storm-force winds have already begun affecting the island, with Ernesto expected to make landfall around 8 a.m. local time on August 17.
The airport and Causeway in Bermuda are set to close as a safety measure, with shelters opening across the island.
Public transportation will cease, and residents should not expect deployment of first responders if sustained winds exceed 57 mph.
Despite showing minimal signs of weakening, Hurricane Ernesto remains a strong Category 2 event, with dangerous winds, storm surge, and potential flooding expected.
The Bermuda Weather Service anticipates heavy rainfall, with up to 8 inches expected from the storm.
Residents are warned not to be deceived by the calm of the eye of the storm, as the second half of the hurricane is expected to be just as intense, if not more so.
After passing Bermuda, Ernesto is forecasted to maintain hurricane status as it moves north towards Newfoundland, Canada.
The storm is projected to potentially impact Newfoundland as a hurricane before downgrading to a tropical storm on August 20.
