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Hurricane Ernesto (2024)

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Hurricane Ernesto was a moderately strong Atlantic hurricane that caused significant flooding in Puerto Rico before striking Bermuda as a hurricane. 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, where it reached Category 2 strength, before making landfall in Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane on August 17. Ernesto then weakened back to a tropical storm before intensifying back into a hurricane and brushing Atlantic Canada, becoming extratropical by August 20.

Hurricane Ernesto
Ernesto at peak intensity approaching Bermuda on August 16
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 12, 2024
ExtratropicalAugust 20, 2024
DissipatedAugust 22, 2024
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds100 mph (155 km/h)
Lowest pressure968 mbar (hPa); 28.59 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities3
Damage$150 million (2024 USD)
Areas affectedLeeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Atlantic Canada, British Isles
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

At least three deaths have been tied to Ernesto, all related to rip currents from the hurricane along the East Coast of the United States.

Meteorological history

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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
  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 intensified 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 weakened due to wind shear before making landfall in Bermuda at 8:30 UTC on August 17 as a Category 1 hurricane.[11]

After making landfall, Ernesto then weakened further into a tropical storm due to dry air later that day.[12] However, at 21:00 UTC the next day, Ernesto re-intensified into a Category 1 hurricane as environmental conditions began to improve around Ernesto. After a brief period of re-intensification throughout August 19, re-strengthening to sustained winds of 90 mph (145 km/h),[13] Ernesto began to weaken once again due to colder sea surface temperatures and environmental conditions becoming unfavorable, as it brushed the coast of Newfoundland.[14] As Ernesto continued to move to the northeast during the middle of August 20, Ernesto became post-tropical as the NHC ceased issuing further advisories on the system.[15] By August 21, Ernesto opened into a trough in the North Atlantic.[16]

Preparations

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Tropical storm warnings were issued in advance of Ernesto for Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, the French West Indies (apart from Martinique), Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sint Maarten, and the United States Virgin Islands[17][18] A hurricane watch was issued for the British and US Virgin Islands,[19][20] and a hurricane warning was issued for Bermuda.[21]

Leeward Islands

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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.[22] In Sint Maarten, the Dutch portion of Saint Martin, Princess Juliana International Airport closed at August 13 and reopened the following day.[23] Schools in the territory were closed. Prime Minister Luc Mercelina ordered political parties and businesses to remove billboards and other apparatus from public roads.[24] The VC Bird International Airport in Antigua closed on the night of August 12 and reopened the following afternoon.[25]

Puerto Rico

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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.[26] The National Guard also transferred the only remaining native parrots, the Puerto Rico Amazon, on the island indoors.[27] More than 140 flights were cancelled in Puerto Rico.[28]

Bermuda

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Bermuda was placed under a hurricane warning.[21] The L.F. Wade International Airport was closed, while public transportation was banned.[29]

Elsewhere

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Dangerous rip currents were warned for in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Dominican Republic.[30]

Rip current warnings statements and small craft advisories were issued along the coast of Florida from West Palm Beach up to Jacksonville and also along the coast of Georgia.[31] In New York City, parks and the beaches of Brooklyn and Queens were shut down.[32]

Areas of Scotland were placed under a yellow warning by the Met Office as the remnants of Ernesto were forecast to approach.[33] Met Éireann also issued yellow warnings for Galway and Mayo.[34] The Strathaven Balloon Race was cancelled in anticipation of gusty winds from the system.[35] Sandbags were distributed and placed across west Ireland.[36] Galway County Council shut down roads and parking that were vulnerable to flooding.[34]

Impact

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Leeward Islands

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A gust of 77 miles per hour (124 km/h) was recorded in Saint Barthélemy and 61 miles per hour (98 km/h) in Saint Martin.[37] In Sint Maarten, minor damage was reported. Localized flooding occurred, while some bits of debris were thrown around.[38] 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.[39] 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 occurred, though power was quickly restored. Part of a historic stone structure was knocked into a wall that resided below.[40]

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.[41] Damage due to the storm’s passage across the island was estimated at EC$2.1 million (US$780,000).[42] Power outages occurred in Antigua and Barbuda.[43] 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.[44]

Several main roads on the island of Guadeloupe were closed due to the storm.[45] More than 45,000 customers lost power in the Virgin Islands[8] as a result of hurricane force wind gusts. The entirety of Saint Croix and Saint Thomas lost electricity.[46] 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.[47] At least six cellphone towers were knocked offline in the Virgin Islands.[48] United States President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for US Virgin Islands.[49]

Power outages occurred on all islands. All schools were closed prior to the storm's arrival.[50] Over 10,000 people were still without power in the US Virgin Islands on August 16.[51][52]

Puerto Rico

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Preliminary rainfall totals in Puerto Rico from Tropical Storm Ernesto during August 14–15

Sustained winds on the island of Culebra reached 86 mph (138 km/h),[46] 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.[53] United States President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for Puerto Rico.[21] Multiple rivers on the island overflowed, damaging roads and causing flooding.[54] By morning on August 16, over 200,000 Puerto Ricans were still without power.[51] According to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, damage to crops on the island totaled $23.5 million (2024 USD), including $11.5 million in damage to bananas, $2.5 million to coffee and vegetables, $2 million to guineos, and $800,000 to citrus and fruits. In addition, $1 million worth of damage was dealt to hydroponics, $1.2 million to fodder, and $2 million to roads.[55]

Bermuda

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Ernesto made direct landfall on Bermuda early Saturday morning, August 17.[29] Hurricane-force gusts swept across the island, toppling utility poles, downing trees or snapping off their branches, and causing light wind damage to a few businesses.[56] Ernesto’s winds kicked up large waves along Bermuda’s coasts;[57] some coastal hotels and business suffered mild flooding.[58] BELCO reported that 51 main power lines were damaged, resulting in widespread outages.[59] At the height of the storm, 28,817 customers on the island lost power, which took several days to be restored in part due to utility pole fires.[58]

Elsewhere

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Swells generated by Ernesto effected the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.[30] Rip currents also impacts the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.[60] In South Carolina, rip currents generated by Ernesto resulted in the deaths of two people.[61] In North Carolina, a home along the shoreline on Hatteras Island collapsed due to the waves generated by Ernesto, while many others were at risk.[62][63][64] One death was reported in North Carolina, where a surfer was found dead in Surf City.[60] Large waves and rip currents also stretched north in beaches in Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland.[65] In New Jersey, a man was rescued by lifeguards after being pulled out by rip currents. He sustained knee and back injuries. In Ventnor City, eight rescues were made.[66] Ernesto's outflow brought dry air to Florida, decreasing rain and heat indices.[67][68]

In Galway, streets and quays along waterways were inundated.[36] Flooding was exacerbated by a supermoon.[34]

See also

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References

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  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, David (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. ^ Cangialosi, John; Hagen, Andrew (August 11, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Five Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Cangialosi, John (August 12, 2024). Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Number 5 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Wesner Childs, Jan (August 15, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto Strikes Puerto Rico". The Weather Channel. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  9. ^ Berg, Robbie (August 14, 2024). Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 12 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  10. ^ Cangialosi, John (August 15, 2024). Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 18 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  11. ^ Eric, Blake (August 17, 2024). Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 23 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  12. ^ Beven, Jack (August 17, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto Discussion Number 26". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  13. ^ Cangialosi, John (August 19, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 33". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Beven, Jack (August 19, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto Discussion Number 34". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  15. ^ Reinhart, Brad (August 20, 2024). "Post-Tropical Cyclone Ernesto Discussion Number 36". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  16. ^ "Analyse 2024-08-21 00 UTC". Deutscher Wetterdienst. August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Gilbert, Mary (August 12, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto is headed for Puerto Rico. Here's where it could go next". CNN. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  18. ^ Pasch, Richard (August 12, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto Advisory Number 6". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
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  20. ^ Daley, Jesse (August 13, 2024). "Hurricane Watch in Effect; Storm-Related Closures Announced | St. Thomas Source". The St. Thomas Source. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
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  22. ^ "Tempête Ernesto : Saint-Martin a été placée en vigilance orange". Soualiga Post (in French). August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  23. ^ "Princess Juliana International Airport to close due to storm". Loop Caribbean News. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  24. ^ "Schools closed in Sint Maarten due to approaching weather system". Loop News Caribbean. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  25. ^ "VC Bird International Airport closes tonight due to the storm". Loop News Caribbean. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  26. ^ "'There will be power service interruptions': Puerto Rico braces for Tropical Storm Ernesto". Miami Herald. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  27. ^ Coto, Dánica (August 13, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto batters northeast Caribbean and aims at Puerto Rico". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  28. ^ "Ernesto podría convertirse en huracán de fuerza mayor el sábado cerca de Bermuda". Voz de América (in Spanish). August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  29. ^ a b Coto, Dánica (August 17, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto makes landfall on Bermuda as a Category 1 storm". ABC News. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  30. ^ a b Czachor, Emily Mae (August 15, 2024). "Maps show Hurricane Ernesto's path and forecast as it heads toward Bermuda - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  31. ^ Rorabaugh, John Gallas, Cheryl McCloud and Dan. "National Hurricane Center warns Florida of deadly rip currents as Ernesto hits Bermuda". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 17, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ Patterson, Jasmine; Muirhead, Nicole (August 17, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto hits Bermuda as a weakened but still dangerous storm". Reuters. Bermuda. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  33. ^ "Severe weather warnings for parts of UK as Hurricane Ernesto remnants set to bring 60mph winds". Sky News. August 18, 2024. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  34. ^ a b c Fanneran, Vinny (August 21, 2024). "Met Eireann change Hurricane Ernesto forecast over '170 mile an hour' event". Galway Beo. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  35. ^ Fulton, Matthew (August 22, 2024). "Scots balloon festival cancelled on 25th anniversary due to Hurricane Ernesto". STV News. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Mannion, Teresa (August 21, 2024). "Weather warning for Galway, Mayo as remnants of Hurricane Ernesto hit west coast". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  37. ^ "Tropical Storm blows into Caribbean with target set on Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico". Orlando Sentinel. August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  38. ^ "Tropical Storm Ernesto Passes Near St. Maarten with Minimal Damage". Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  39. ^ Bird, Rebecca (August 13, 2024). "Closures announced as Tropical Storm Ernesto passes Anguilla". Anguilla Focus | News. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  40. ^ Opsman (August 15, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto causes damage on Statia". The Daily Herald. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  41. ^ "NEOC Deactivated Following Tropical Storm Ernesto's Gradual Departure From St. Kitts And Nevis". The St Kitts Nevis Observer. August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  42. ^ "Samuel: Ernesto Damage in Millions". WinnFM 98.9. August 16, 2024.
  43. ^ Reporter, Lilith Foster-Collins News (August 14, 2024). "Ernesto intensifies into hurricane: Track its path toward Bermuda". Newsweek. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  44. ^ "Oil spill team deployed to storm damaged boat in Little Bay". Montserrat Focus | News. August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  45. ^ "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.
  46. ^ 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.
  47. ^ "US Virgin Islands Officials Urge Residents to Stay Off Roads as Dangerous Conditions Persist After Tropical Storm Ernesto". Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  48. ^ Johnson, Dacia (August 15, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto: Hundreds of thousands without power in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands". WESH. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  49. ^ "President Biden Approves Disaster Declaration for U.S. Virgin Islands in Wake of TS Ernesto". The Virgin Islands Consortium. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  50. ^ "Tropical Storm Ernesto drenches northeast Caribbean and takes aim at Puerto Rico". AP News. August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  51. ^ a b Gilbert, Mary (August 15, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto will cause dangerous beach conditions for East Coast this weekend". CNN. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  52. ^ "Hurricane Ernesto makes landfall on Bermuda as a category 1 storm". www.npr.org. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  53. ^ 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.
  54. ^ "Ernesto now a hurricane, brings "significant flooding" to Puerto Rico". www.msn.com. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  55. ^ Jamibeth González (August 20, 2024). "Agricultores sufren pérdidas de más de $23 millones por efectos de Ernesto". WAPA-TV (in Spanish). Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  56. ^ Hendrickson, Sékou (August 19, 2024). "Bermuda successfully battles through Ernesto". Royal Gazette. Bermuda. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  57. ^ McCloud, Cheryl; Luciani, Kim. "Hurricane Ernesto closing in on Bermuda. Expect dangerous beach conditions in Florida". The St. Lucie News-Tribune. Retrieved August 17, 2024 – via Microsoft News.
  58. ^ a b Sosnowski, Alex (August 18, 2024). "Ernesto crosses Bermuda, to eye Newfoundland next". Accuweather. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  59. ^ Bell, Jonathan (August 23, 2024). "Belco nears finish line in post-Ernesto work". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  60. ^ a b Bacon, John (August 18, 2024). "Tropical Storm Ernesto's swells still stirring up deadly risks on Atlantic beaches". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  61. ^ Rorabaugh, John Gallas, Cheryl McCloud and Dan. "National Hurricane Center warns Florida of deadly rip currents as Ernesto hits Bermuda". Treasure Coast. Retrieved August 17, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  62. ^ Cuevas, Eduardo; Sneider, Mike (August 18, 2024). "'Don't become a statistic': Hurricane Ernesto brings rip current danger to millions". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  63. ^ Wulfeck, Andrew (August 16, 2024). "Watch: Hurricane Ernesto's swell causes North Carolina house to collapse into ocean". FOX Weather. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  64. ^ "Inside the 2019-purchased Outer Banks home that collapsed into the ocean last week". MSN. New York Post. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  65. ^ Haigh, Susan; Robertson, Gary D. (August 17, 2024). "Hundreds of miles away, Hurricane Ernesto still affects US beaches with rip currents, house collapse". AP News. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  66. ^ Todt, Ron (August 18, 2024). "Ernesto regains hurricane strength, sends powerful swells, dangerous rip currents to US East Coast". AP News. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  67. ^ Barraza, Elaine (August 17, 2024). "Hurricane Ernesto outflow brings dry air to Central Florida on Saturday". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  68. ^ Miller, Kimberly (August 15, 2024). "Break in humidity as Hurricane Ernesto helps bring unusually dry air to South Florida this weekend". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
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