Tropical Storm Ernesto Batters Puerto Rico, Leaving Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

Ernesto Unloads Heavy Rains and High Winds on Puerto Rico

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto, more than 700,000 electricity customers in Puerto Rico found themselves without power after the storm brought torrential rains and strong winds that tore down trees and damaged infrastructure.

Ernesto, which later intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, did not make direct landfall in Puerto Rico but still dumped around 10 inches of rain in the region near the town of Barranquitas, according to the National Weather Service.

Fragile Power Grid Struggles

Luma Energy, the private company responsible for power distribution in Puerto Rico, prioritized restoring electricity to critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment facilities.

Puerto Rico’s power grid, weakened by Hurricane Maria in 2017, remains vulnerable, with many areas still not fully rebuilt. The widespread power outages caused by Ernesto highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the island’s energy system.

Flooding and Evacuations

Inundating rainfall caused at least three major rivers to overflow, threatening the safety of nearby communities. Authorities in the municipality of Toa Baja issued evacuation orders for residents in the western part of the town due to rising floodwaters.

Residents in various towns across the island reported blocked roads and bridges due to debris and flooding, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach affected areas.

Government Response and Aid

Government officials emphasized the dangers of flooding and urged residents to stay indoors or in designated shelters. Puerto Rico’s Emergency Portal System reported that over 375 people had taken refuge in islandwide shelters as of Wednesday morning.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, authorizing federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA prepared to provide generators and emergency supplies to assist in recovery efforts.

Looking Ahead

Officials continued to monitor storm conditions to determine whether schools and government offices could reopen. Flash flood warnings remained in effect for much of Puerto Rico, and residents were advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

The impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto on Puerto Rico serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges the island faces in rebuilding its infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its citizens in the face of natural disasters.