Hurricane Ernesto Weakens Into Tropical Storm as It Moves Away From Bermuda Over Open Waters

Hurricane Ernesto in the Atlantic Ocean south-southwest of Bermuda, at 4:40 p.m ET on Aug. 16, 2024. NOAA via AP

MEXICO CITY—Hurricane Ernesto weakened into a tropical storm late Saturday as it moved away from Bermuda over open waters of the Atlantic after crossing over the tiny British territory early in the day with heavy rains and strong winds.

Ernesto forced residents to stay indoors, and more than 23,000 people lost power, officials said. By late Saturday, the storm’s maximum sustained winds had decreased to 70 mph (110 kph). It was centered about 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of Bermuda and moving north-northeast at 8 mph (13 kph).