Ernesto Steadily Moves Toward Bermuda; Dangerous Rip Current Risk for East Coast Beaches

GOES-East – Sector view: U.S. Atlantic Coast – Band 2

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Here is the latest update on Hurricane Ernesto which continues to churn northerly at 13 mph making a beeline toward Bermuda.  Increasing weather hazards for the island starting Friday afternoon with a pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday. From there, Ernesto makes its way to Atlantic Canada by Monday.

5pm AST Stats:

LOCATION…26.1N 68.9W
ABOUT 495 MI…795 KM SSW OF BERMUDA
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…85 MPH…140 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…N OR 360 DEGREES AT 13 MPH…20 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…972 MB…28.71 INCHES

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There has been some drier air being pulled into the center of Ernesto.  The latest recon flight reported a lower minimum pressure but the flight level winds have not changed, so the max winds have been left at 85 mph. Intensification is still forecast as Ernesto moves into a low-shear environment and there is plenty of warm water to work with.  Ernesto is forecast to be a Category 2 hurricane near Bermuda.

6-12 inches of rain, locally up to 15″ possible for Bermuda.  This would lead to considerable flooding. A prolonged period of strong/damaging winds and surge will begin to effect the island on Friday.

Ernesto will track away from the east coast of the US but that doesn’t mean there won’t be impacts. Swells will increase as we head through Friday and the weekend. Increased dangerous surf and a high rip current risk in place for the beaches. It is recommended to stay out of the water if advised by lifeguards. One of the NWS offices monitoring this risk is NWS Wilmington NC.  Small Craft Advisories are up as well as High Surf advisories.  For the Crystal Coast beaches, large breaking waves of 6-8 feet possible! Great graphic from the office, created in coordination with Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical