Hurricane Ernesto, despite being hundreds of miles offshore, is causing significant disruptions along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The storm's effects are being felt from Florida to New York, with dangerous conditions forcing beach closures during a typically busy summer weekend.
Philippe Papin, a hurricane specialist from the National Hurricane Center, described Ernesto as a "pretty large" hurricane with a "large footprint of seas and waves." The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines rip currents as "powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water" that can reach speeds of up to 8 feet (2.44 meters) per second, posing a severe threat to swimmers.
In response to the hazardous conditions, officials in New York City have closed ocean-facing beaches in Brooklyn and Queens for the weekend. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the danger, stating, "New Yorkers should know the ocean is more powerful than you are, particularly this weekend."
The storm's impact extends beyond New York, with warnings of dangerous rip currents issued for beaches in Delaware, New Jersey, and as far north as Massachusetts. The National Weather Service has urged extreme caution for beachgoers throughout the affected areas.
Further south, the Outer Banks of North Carolina have experienced significant damage. The National Park Service confirmed the collapse of an unoccupied beach house in Rodanthe, a community on Hatteras Island. This marks the seventh such collapse in the past four years along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of shoreline managed by the federal government.
The vulnerability of these barrier islands is increasingly evident as climate change contributes to rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges. The low-lying nature of these islands makes them susceptible to overwash from both the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
In Bermuda, where Ernesto made landfall as a category 1 hurricane, tens of thousands of residents lost power. The island is bracing for several inches of rain, which could lead to dangerous flash flooding.
As the storm continues to affect the region, officials are urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety. Beach closures and warnings are expected to remain in place until conditions improve, which may not be until early next week.
"Dangerous rip currents and large waves are expected to continue through the weekend, reaching north into Virginia and Maryland beaches. Swimmers are advised to exercise extreme caution and heed all local warnings and beach closures."
The impact of Hurricane Ernesto serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the increasing challenges coastal communities face due to climate change. As sea levels continue to rise, efforts to protect coastal properties become increasingly difficult, highlighting the need for long-term strategies to address these environmental challenges.