Hurricane Ernesto, after bringing heavy rainfall to Puerto Rico, is now on a path toward Bermuda. The storm intensified overnight, with sustained winds reaching 85 mph. Meteorologists predict rapid strengthening while Ernesto moves over open water, potentially approaching major hurricane status by Friday, just ahead of its expected passage near Bermuda on Saturday, as per the latest updates from the National Hurricane Center.
A major hurricane is classified as one with winds of at least 111 mph, which falls under Category 3 or higher. Forecasters at AccuWeather anticipate that Ernesto could reach at least Category 3 strength by Friday as it nears Bermuda.
Currently, the hurricane is positioned east of Florida’s southern tip and is expected to remain offshore as it heads north. However, the U.S. East Coast, including Florida, may still experience the impacts from Ernesto. Swells from the storm are projected to arrive by Thursday night and continue into the weekend, leading to a high risk of dangerous rip currents for beachgoers along the East Coast.
Ernesto’s formation comes shortly after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida on August 5. On August 14, the National Hurricane Center introduced a revised “cone of concern” for Ernesto, showing inland wind warnings in addition to coastal alerts, to provide a more comprehensive overview of the storm’s potential impacts.
As of now, Ernesto is located 495 miles south-southwest of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, moving north at 13 mph. There’s currently a hurricane warning in effect for Bermuda, indicating that hurricane conditions are expected, with preparations needed to protect life and property.
Forecasts indicate that the center of Ernesto will pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday, with significant rainfall accumulation expected, potentially resulting in flash flooding. The forecasters warn that dangerous swells and rip current conditions will affect areas from the Dominican Republic to Bermuda and the Bahamas over the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic, which are moving westward. For residents along the East Coast, especially Florida, it’s advised to stay informed and prepared as the hurricane season remains very active.