Hurricane Ernesto has begun to drift away from Bermuda after the eye of the storm passed over the island.

The storm made landfall at about 5.30am as a Category 1 hurricane, according to the US-based National Hurricane Centre, but the centre of the storm is now 15 miles north-northeast of the island.

While Ernesto is now moving away from the island, its slow speed and large size has made forecasters predict an extended period of high winds and rain, which could last up to 36 hours.

An update from the Bermuda Weather Service at 9am said that the storm’s closest point of approach in the next three days had passed.

The latest information showed that the weather system was moving north-northeast away from the island at 9mph.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, urged the public this morning to behave safely and responsibly as the storm conditions linger across the island.

“We have been getting numerous persons who are venturing out in this storm,“ Mr Weeks said. ”We have gone through the eye of Hurricane Ernesto, and now the weather is deteriorating again.

“I am urging persons to stay inside. We will continue to experience prolonged, dangerous winds throughout the day and we want to ensure there are no serious emergency incidents.”

The minister noted that the Emergency Measures Organisation is receiving damage assessments as reports from overnight come into the Operations Group. The public will be updated as information becomes available.

Mr Weeks said that as of 8.20am, 75 per cent of the island had lost power and that the storm had damaged some of Belco’s overhead infrastructure.

The energy provider urged the public to call 955 only in the case of an emergency, such as a pole fire, and for the public to always assume downed wires are live.

Belco crews will carry out damage assessments, report findings and begin restoration work once it is safe to move about.

The public were urged to stay off of the roads to allow the restoration teams, including of the departments of Works and Engineering and Parks, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Belco and other utilities to clear debris from the roads and get the island back up and running safely and quickly.

Mr Weeks is expected to provide an update later this morning regarding any further storm-related developments.

The BWS said on Facebook this morning that the eye of Ernesto took about three hours to pass over the island,

“The second half of Ernesto is upon us now,” the BWS said. “With the latest information from the National Hurricane Centre, it looks like we will be out of the hurricane-force winds around midday and the strong tropical-storm-force winds will exit the area later this afternoon.”

The National Museum of Bermuda, located in Dockyard, recorded 88mph sustained winds and gusts to 109mph during the first half of the storm.

Meanwhile, LF Wade International Airport recorded maximum sustained winds of 56mph with gusts reaching 84mph.

Ferry Reach recorded a 1.5ft storm surge, and 5.9in of rain is said to have fallen between 3pm yesterday and 8am today.

Ernesto, a Category 1 hurricane, was still packing maximum winds of about 85mph with higher gusts.

While the storm is forecast to continue to drift away from the island, the NHC warned that hazardous conditions will continue into this evening.

“On the forecast track, the centre of Ernesto is expected to slowly depart Bermuda today and move near or east of Newfoundland on Monday night," the NHC said.

“Maximum sustained winds are near 85mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast today. Some reintensification is possible late in the weekend before weakening begins on Monday.

“Ernesto is a large tropical cyclone. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles from the centre and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 240 miles.”

The 9am forecast added: “Hurricane conditions are expected on Bermuda through the next several hours. Due to Ernesto's large size and slow motion, strong winds will continue on the island through most of today into this evening.”

Michelle Pitcher, the BWS director, said at a press conference yesterday afternoon that the weather system was expected to be a strong Category 1 or weak Category 2 as it passed the island.

She added that Ernesto could drop more than eight inches of rain on the island.

Ms Pitcher added: “We’re going to continue to see conditions deteriorate into this evening and overnight.

“We can expect 36-plus hours of 50-knot sustained winds. It’s going to be a long-duration event. We’ve also had a lot of rain recently. As of this morning, we’ve had 3.5 inches. Ernesto is expected to bring another five to eight, possibly more, inches of rain as it goes through. It’s a very wet system.“

A BWS forecast later said: “A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Bermuda as Hurricane Ernesto makes a close passage early this morning.

“Hurricane-force winds continue for a time before gradually easing this afternoon. After more cloud and rain today, tomorrow sees drier and brighter weather developing as Ernesto clears northeast.

“Treacherous surf and sea conditions remain, especially along the South Shore, where rip currents will be an additional hazard.”

Roads and the airport will continue to be closed this morning with updates expected to come later.

The Causeway was closed at 9pm on Friday and will remain so until the Ministry of Public Works determines it can be opened.

The emergency shelter at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire will stay open until conditions allow for safe closure. Seniors and those without adequate shelter were urged to make use of the facility.

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s will close once the Causeway has reopened. Ambulance services will continue as normal during the storm.

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