Ernesto has re-intensified back to hurricane status after being downgraded to a tropical storm when it passed through Bermuda early Saturday. While the hurricane is moving north and east away from the United States, large swells generated by the storm and its large wind swath will continue to create hazardous surf along east coast beaches.
“Even though Ernesto is forecast to remain well offshore of the U.S. East Coast, swells generated by the hurricane will continue to affect the area through the early part of this week,” warns the National Hurricane Center. “Beach goers should be aware that there is a significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents, and should stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards.” Surf and rip currents are also possible on the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada during the next few days.
In addition to rough surf and rip currents, there is also a threat of coastal flooding and significant beach erosion up and down much of the U.S. East Coast.
In North Carolina, far away from Ernesto’s direct impacts, a 2-story house collapsed into the ocean as it was smashed by rough surf kicked up by Hurricane Ernesto. The home collapsed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach in Rodanthe, the northernmost village of the Outer Banks.
Hurricanes don’t need to make landfall on the U.S. East coast to be destructive to the east coast. https://t.co/zTVNuUgpzQ
— the Weatherboy (@theWeatherboy) August 17, 2024
While Ernesto’s track will keep it away from the U.S., far eastern Canada may not be as lucky. Ernesto could bring wind, wave, and rain impacts to portions of southeastern Newfoundland Monday night into Tuesday morning. Breaking waves could bring the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly along southwest-facing shorelines from Bunin east to Avalon regions. The Canadian Hurricane Centre is issuing updates for those communities now.
