MIAMI, Aug 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Hurricane Ernesto lashed Bermuda with heavy rains and strong winds early Saturday as it neared the British Atlantic Ocean territory, with meteorologists warning of a dangerous storm surge and floods.

The cyclone, which hit Puerto Rico earlier this week leaving at least 600,000 people without power, was 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of the archipelago at 0600 GMT packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles (140 kilometers) per hour, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

The storm was expected to pass near or over Bermuda in the next few hours.

"A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves," the NHC warned.

Ernesto was expected to dump six to nine inches (150 to 225 millimeters) of rain on Bermuda.

"This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island," the NHC said.

Bermudians on Friday prepared for the storm's arrival, hauling boats out of the ocean and water, boarding up windows, filling bathtubs with water and stocking up on batteries and food supplies.

"This storm is the real deal," Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said after a meeting of emergency officials on Friday, according to The Royal Gazette newspaper.

"This is not a storm to be taken lightly," he said, warning islanders to expect 36 hours of hurricane-force winds.

"Please take every precaution to protect your life and property. Stay indoors, stay safe, and I pray that we are all spared any real loss or damage," Weeks added, according to the Gazette.

Some key roads were closed and bus and ferry services were suspended, it added.

Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport said it would remain shut until Sunday after the storm had passed.