Ernesto Sparks Rip Current Alerts Along U.S. East Coast
Tropical Storm Ernesto generates dangerous rip currents on the U.S. East Coast, prompting warnings and rescues. Bermuda and Caribbean islands grapple with storm aftermath as schools prepare to reopen.
As Tropical Storm Ernesto moved away from Bermuda on August 18, 2024, its effects continued to be felt along the U.S. East Coast. The storm's powerful swells generated dangerous rip currents, leading to numerous rescues and at least one fatality.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory and warned of a high risk for rip currents along the Atlantic Coast through August 19, 2024. The warning extended from Florida to the Boston area and parts of Maine. Mike Lee, a meteorologist in Mount Holly, N.J., emphasized the increased danger, stating that rip currents could affect swimmers of all skill levels.
"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water."
Several incidents highlighted the perilous conditions. In New Jersey, a fisherman was rescued after being washed off a jetty at Manasquan Inlet on August 17. Lifeguards also saved at least five other individuals. Further south in Ventnor, eight people required rescue. Tragically, a 41-year-old man lost his life to a rip current in Surf City, North Carolina, on the same day.
The storm's impact extended beyond rip currents. Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of Connecticut and southeastern New York, with watches and advisories in effect for areas of Delaware, New Jersey, and southeastern Pennsylvania. These warnings underscored the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
In Bermuda, Ernesto had weakened to a tropical storm by late August 17, after bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the island. Michael Weeks, Bermuda's Security Minister, reported that the territory was returning to normalcy, with businesses beginning to reopen. However, power outages persisted, with over 12,000 customers still without electricity on August 18.
The storm's path also affected the northeastern Caribbean. In Puerto Rico, tens of thousands were left without water, and as of August 18, more than 60,000 customers remained without power. The Virgin Islands Department of Education announced that all public schools would resume operations on August 19, after cleanup efforts.
As communities along the East Coast and in the affected islands continue to recover, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of tropical systems and the importance of heeding weather warnings. Rip currents, in particular, remain a significant threat even as storms move away, highlighting the need for continued vigilance among beachgoers and coastal residents.
