Hurricane Imelda’s core batters Bermuda, continues churning up powerful waves along the US East Coast

(CNN) — Imelda’s core passed over Bermuda overnight Wednesday and knocked out power to thousands as hurricane winds ripped across the island.

The storm also knocked several homes on North Carolina’s Outer Banks into the sea and continues to churn up dangerous surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion along the United States’ East Coast.

Conditions deteriorated in Bermuda late Wednesday as Category 2 Imelda made its approach with 100 mph sustained winds in its core. Heavy rain and wind walloped the archipelago for several hours.

A nearly 100 mph wind gust was clocked at an elevated weather observation station at the National Museum of Bermuda. Around 18,000 homes and businesses were without power in Bermuda Thursday morning, according to electricity provider BELCO .

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