Hurricane Ernesto
Hurricane Ernesto was an impactful hurricane in the North Atlantic Ocean.
On August 12, 2024, Ernesto formed as a tropical storm east of the Lesser Antilles. After reaching the Caribbean, Ernesto strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane on August 14 with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (45 m/s).
Ernesto’s winds brought structural damage and extensive power outages to the Caribbean, leaving over 700,000 customers without power in Puerto Rico.
On August 17, Ernesto made landfall in Bermuda as a Category 1 storm, ushering in storm surge and gusty winds. In total, nearly 30,000 customers were left without power.
After making landfall in Bermuda, Ernesto tracked into open Atlantic waters, eventually dissipating on August 21, 2024.
While traversing the North Atlantic, Ernesto’s swells were felt across the U.S. East Coast. Large waves and intense rip currents prompted numerous water rescues from South Carolina to New Jersey. Two deaths were reported from the rip currents on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center.
Satellite imagery of this event:
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