Hurricane Ernesto Rocks Puerto Rico-800,000 w/o Power

US & GLOBAL: Hurricane Ernesto, which was initially a tropical storm, intensified into a Category 1 hurricane as it passed north of Puerto Rico.

By Anne M Erbynstein

The storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant flooding to the island

Over 700, 000 utility customers experienced power outages, with the most affected areas being Caguas, Ponce, and Carolina

The Puerto Rican government took several precautionary measures, including closing government offices, suspending public transport, and opening 344 shelters

President Biden approved an emergency declaration to assist in local response efforts

Ernesto is expected to continue moving northward, away from Puerto Rico, and head towards Bermuda