Hurricane Ernesto, which recently impacted Puerto Rico with heavy rain, is now on a trajectory toward Bermuda. Over the night, the storm intensified with winds reaching 85 mph. The National Hurricane Center projects that Ernesto could rapidly strengthen over open waters, approaching major hurricane status by Friday as it nears Bermuda on Saturday.
A major hurricane is categorized by sustained winds of at least 111 mph, placing it in Category 3 or above. Meteorologists from AccuWeather estimate that Ernesto could reach Category 3 strength by Friday.
Currently, the hurricane is located east of the southern tip of Florida and is expected to steer clear of the coast as it heads northward. Nonetheless, areas in Florida and along the eastern U.S. may still experience effects from Ernesto, specifically dangerous swells that are expected to reach the coast starting Thursday night into the weekend. Beachgoers are warned of a “high risk of dangerous rip currents.”
The formation of Ernesto follows shortly after Hurricane Debby made landfall on Florida’s Big Bend on August 5. On August 14, the National Hurricane Center introduced a new “cone of concern” graphic for Ernesto, which includes wind warnings for inland counties, enhancing public awareness of wind threats beyond coastal areas.
At present, Ernesto is positioned approximately 550 miles south-southwest of Bermuda and is moving northward at 14 mph. The hurricane’s pressure stands at 974 mb. An advisory update is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Currently, Florida has not issued any watches or warnings related to Hurricane Ernesto, but a hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda. This warning indicates that hurricane conditions are anticipated within the area, necessitating rapid completion of preparations for residents.
Ernesto is expected to maintain a general northerly course before shifting towards the northeast, nearing Bermuda over the weekend. The hurricane’s winds extend up to 60 miles from its center, with tropical-storm-force winds affecting areas up to 175 miles away.
Forecasts predict significant rainfall for Bermuda, with accumulations ranging from 4 to 8 inches and isolated amounts potentially reaching 12 inches, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding.
As swells emanating from Ernesto continue to impact the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas, similar dangerous surf and rip currents are anticipated for the U.S. East Coast over the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic. One is moving westward at 5 to 11 mph, while the other is advancing at 17 mph. It’s still too early to determine if these waves will pose any risk to land.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared, especially during this active Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity occurring around September 10.