Ernesto Regains Hurricane Status, Spurring Life-Threatening Conditions Along Atlantic Seaboard
On Sunday, Tropical Storm Ernesto regained hurricane strength as it moved away from Bermuda and pushed further into the northeastern Atlantic, sending powerful swells toward the U.S. East Coast, which led to dangerous rip currents, resulting in at least one death and multiple rescues.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami forecasts that this is a powerful storm with the potential to cause significant damage. Swells generated by Ernesto are impacting parts of the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and the Canadian Atlantic coast. The hurricane center warned that life-threatening surf and rip currents are expected in these areas over the next few days. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory and a high rip current risk warning along the Atlantic Coast through Monday evening, cautioning that these currents “can sweep even the strongest swimmers away from shore into deeper water. ”
Key Details of Hurricane Ernesto:
Hurricane Strength: Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph (120 kph), categorizing it as a minimal Category 1 hurricane.
Projected Path: Currently located about 520 miles (840 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ernesto is expected to strengthen further before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone by Tuesday.
Affected Areas: Swells from Ernesto are impacting the Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and parts of the Canadian Atlantic coast. These areas are experiencing life-threatening surf and rip currents.
Warnings Issued:
The National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service have issued coastal flood advisories and high rip current risk warnings extending from Florida to Maine, including the Boston area.
Meteorologist Mike Lee emphasized the increased danger of rip currents during this period, warning swimmers of all experience levels to stay vigilant
Rescues and Tragic Incidents:
In New Jersey, lifeguards rescued several individuals, including a fisherman injured at Manasquan Inlet.
A 41-year-old man tragically drowned in a rip current at Surf City, North Carolina.
Additional drownings occurred on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, though the involvement of rip currents is unconfirmed.Additional Weather Impacts:
Connecticut Flooding: Unrelated to Ernesto, heavy rains caused severe flooding in western Connecticut, resulting in road closures, water rescues, and a minor mudslide.
Beach Erosion: On North Carolina’s Outer Banks, rough surf caused by Ernesto contributed to the collapse of an unoccupied beach house.
Bermuda Recovers: In Bermuda, Ernesto, after weakening to a tropical storm, caused no major injuries or damage. Recovery efforts are underway, with power restoration and road clearing in progress.
As Ernesto continues its path, coastal communities are urged to stay informed and exercise caution around the water. The storm’s power, despite being far offshore, is evident in the significant impacts being felt along the coast.
