MEXICO CITY >> Hurricane Ernesto which made landfall on the tiny British Atlantic territory of Bermuda early Saturday was downgraded to a tropical storm by afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds forcing residents to stay indoors and keeping more than 26,000 without power, officials said.

Earlier, the U.S. National Hurricane Center warned of strong winds, a dangerous storm surge and significant coastal flooding.

It said some 6 to 9 inches of rain was expected to fall on Bermuda. “This rainfall will likely result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas on the island,” the center said.

Due to the large size of the storm and its slow movement, tropical storm force winds and gusts to hurricane force are expected to continue through Saturday afternoon, with tropical storm-strength winds continuing well into Sunday, the Bermuda government said. Ernesto is moving toward the north-northeast at around 7 mph.

The Bermuda Weather Service confirmed the passage of the eye was from 5:30 am to 8:30 am local time in Bermuda. The eye expanded as it crossed Bermuda and they had lighter than expected winds.

The Minister said that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) is receiving damage assessments as reports from overnight come into the Operations Group. They have not received any reports of any major damages yet.

The NHC reported life-threatening surf and rip currents on the east coast of the United States and said they would reach Canada during the day. The center of Ernesto will slowly move away from Bermuda Saturday and pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday and Monday night, said the center.

Lana Morris, manager of Edgehill Manor Guest House in Bermuda said that conditions are calm, though the wind has started to pick up again.