Ernesto Poised to Regain Hurricane Strength as It Approaches Newfoundland

Ernesto is expected to regain hurricane strength today as it continues to move away from Bermuda and accelerates toward the north-northeast at 16 mph. The storm is currently situated about 590 miles south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 880 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and a minimum central pressure of 978 mb. Ernesto is forecast to strengthen slightly before transitioning to a post-tropical system as it approaches southeastern Newfoundland late Monday into Tuesday. While the bulk of Ernesto’s wind field is expected to remain offshore, to the east of Newfoundland, the storm could still bring strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves to southeastern Newfoundland.

Tropical storm force winds should stay 50-75 miles offshore from St. Johns.

I like this graphic from Environment Canada, their national weather service. It is in kilometers though. So channel your inner metric system…

Dangerous surf and rip currents will continue along the U.S. East Coast, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada for the next few days. Coastal flooding due to large waves is also a possibility in southeastern Newfoundland, particularly along southwest-facing shorelines. Stay informed with local weather services and follow any advisories from lifeguards regarding surf and rip current conditions along affected coasts.

Key Points:
– Location: 36.1N 62.5W
– Max Sustained Winds: 70 mph
– Movement: North-northeast at 16 mph
– Minimum Pressure: 978 mb
– Distance: 590 miles south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 880 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland.
– Impact: Potential strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves in southeastern Newfoundland, with most wind impacts staying offshore; dangerous surf and rip currents along affected coasts.

I am so glad to know there is a weather station on Sable Island. Even though Ernesto will pass about 300 miles east of the largely uninhabited island, it will be interesting to watch when hurricanes that are closer in to the coast of Nova Scotia pass near there.

Category: ALL POSTS, Tropical