Authorities in Bermuda, along with residents and tourists, are quickly finalizing their storm preparations as Hurricane Ernesto, a Category 2 storm, approaches the island. The hurricane, which had already left a quarter-million people without power in Puerto Rico, is expected to bring dangerous conditions to the eastern shore of the continental U.S.

Bermuda is currently under a hurricane warning as Ernesto draws closer. As of the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. ET advisory, the storm was located 125 miles south-southwest of the British island territory, packing sustained winds of 100 mph.

The advisory emphasized the urgency in completing preparations to protect life and property, as Bermuda is projected to receive 6 to 9 inches of rain, raising the potential for life-threatening flash floods. Additionally, the storm surge will lead to significant coastal flooding with destructive waves crashing ashore. According to the National Hurricane Center, the center of Hurricane Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday morning.

Amidst the preparations, residents of Bermuda have been fortifying their homes, removing boats from the ocean, and stocking up on essential supplies such as food, water, and batteries. In anticipation of the storm's impact, officials have announced the closure of the airport, main roads, and public transportation services.

During a news conference, Michael Weeks, Bermuda's Minister of National Security, urged residents to seek shelter and remain indoors throughout the storm's duration. He cautioned that Bermuda would experience at least 36 hours of hurricane and tropical storm force winds, presenting a considerable risk to life and property. "Be under no illusion, this storm is the real deal," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico, where Ernesto's arrival had caused widespread power outages, hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power and running water. Compounding the difficulties, the territory faces a dangerous heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach into the mid-90s.

As the region braces for the impact of Hurricane Ernesto, Bermuda's emergency radio station will commence regular broadcasts from 8 p.m. Friday, providing updates and crucial information. Weather officials are also cautioning about dangerous surf and rip currents along the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., with similar risks expected in the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas, and Atlantic Canada in the coming days.

For the residents of Bermuda, the storm has transformed their daily routines as they make necessary preparations. Daisy Dohanos, a visitor from New York housesitting for a friend, found herself quickly adapting to the circumstances. She secured the house by installing plywood over the windows and purchasing essentials like candles, batteries, and canned food. Dohanos plans to weather the storm with her friend's three rescue dogs, hoping they will provide comfort amidst the uncertain conditions.

Trina Graham, a resident of Hamilton Parish in Bermuda, has taken several precautions, such as securing gas tanks with cement blocks. As she watches the calm before the storm, Graham remains prepared for the weather to intensify throughout Friday and into Saturday.

Heidi Cowen, a fifth-generation Bermudian, has become familiar with hurricane preparations over the years. As she screws in plywood to her doors and windows, Cowen acknowledges the potential challenges, particularly the anticipated loss of power in the oppressive summer heat.

As authorities finalize their preparations, Bermuda is set to experience a series of closures. Government offices closed this afternoon, while bus services were halted, and ferry and lifeguard services canceled on Thursday. The causeway and L.F. Wade International Airport will be closed from Friday evening.

With the storm's imminent arrival, Tim White, a resident of Bermuda, captures the prevailing sentiment, saying, "It's nerve-wracking, but we're accustomed to storms like this. We'll do what we can to protect ourselves and our island."