Hurricane Ernesto Moves Away From Bermuda To Open Waters

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto, which made landfall on the tiny British Atlantic territory of Bermuda early Saturday, brought heavy rains and strong winds before moving north-northeast away from the area.

The storm forced residents to stay indoors and more than 26,000 people were without power, officials said. The Category 1 hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kmh). It was located about 85 miles (135 kilometers) northeast of Bermuda and moving north-northeast at 6 mph.

Earlier, the National Hurricane Center warned of strong winds, a dangerous storm surge and significant coastal flooding. But the hurricane warning for the area was later downgraded to a tropical storm warning.

It said some 6 to 9 inches (150-225 millimeters) of rain was expected to fall on Bermuda. “This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island,” the center said.

Due to the large size of the storm and its slow movement, tropical storm force winds and gusts up to hurricane force were expected through Saturday afternoon. Tropical storm-strength winds were expected to continue well into Sunday, the Bermuda government said.

The Bermuda Weather Service confirmed the passage of the eye was from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. local time in Bermuda. The eye expanded as it crossed.

The hurricane center reported life-threatening surf and rip currents on the East Coast of the United States and said they would reach Canada during the day. The center of Ernesto will slowly move away from Bermuda on Saturday and pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and Monday night, said the center.

Lana Morris, manager of Edgehill Manor Guest House in Bermuda, said conditions were