The majority of Bermuda—upwards of 80 percent of the island—has been left without power, following the passing of Hurricane Humberto Wednesday into Thursday, according to CNN. With that said, the island largely escaped from major harm.
The storm hit the island as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) says that “storm surge and dangerous breaking waves, while diminishing, could cause coastal flooding [Thursday] along the coast of Bermuda.”
The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service reported 17 minor incidents as a result of the storm, which included gas leaks and transformer fires, as well as nine minor medical incidents and structural fires. The Bermuda Government adds, “Access to the causeway is restricted to emergency vehicles and crews only as they continue working to provide emergency aid, clear debris and restore power. The public is urged to remain off the roads until given the all clear by the Emergency Measures Organization.”
Twitter user Glenn Jones shows the hurricane winds and sparks flying from a transformer.
15k+ without power, including us. Closet point of approach 8pm eastern. Hurricane force winds predicted for 2 hours: 7-9pm eastern. We’re hunkered down. #Bermuda #HurricaneHumberto pic.twitter.com/Z8jxEKE5vN
— Glenn Jones (@BdaGlenn) September 18, 2019
Additionally, the NHC says that swells will continue to affect the northwestern Bahamas and the southeastern coast of the United States, from Florida through North Carolina during the next couple of days. “Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions” are possible.
The storm is currently 250 miles northeast of Bermuda. Hurricane Humberto is expected to weaken and become a tropical cyclone by Friday.
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