Hurricane Ernesto made landfall in Bermuda as a Category 1 storm on Saturday morning, bringing hazardous weather to the island. A hurricane warning is still in effect with 6 to 9 inches of rain expected to cause life-threatening flash flooding. Flooding along the coast and large destructive waves are also possible, with hurricane-force gusts and tropical storm conditions likely to continue through the evening. The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. Over 26,000 utility customers are without power in Bermuda, representing 72% of the island. Despite the eye of the storm moving north, the south side is still expected to impact the island. While there have not been reports of major damage, emergency services are on limited patrols due to strong winds. Residents are advised to be cautious of the hurricane-force winds continuing through the morning, with strong tropical storm-force winds lasting until the evening. The government of Bermuda is urging residents to stay vigilant as the storm progresses.
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