Hurricane Ernesto Intensifies, Threatens East Coast with Dangerous Currents
Hurricane Ernesto regains strength, causing hazardous conditions along the U.S. East Coast and Canada. The storm is expected to impact Newfoundland before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone.
As of August 18, 2024, Hurricane Ernesto has regained its strength, prompting concerns along the eastern seaboard of North America. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that the storm is generating dangerous rip currents on beaches stretching from the United States East Coast to Canada.
Meteorologists anticipate further intensification of Ernesto over the next 12 hours, followed by a gradual weakening as it transitions into a post-tropical cyclone by August 20. The hurricane's current position is approximately 815 miles (1,312 km) southwest of Newfoundland, Canada, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph (120 kph).
The NHC predicts that Ernesto's center will pass near southeastern Newfoundland late on August 19 into the morning of August 20, potentially bringing wind, waves, and rain to the region. Newfoundland, the largest island of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, may experience significant weather impacts during this period.
Ernesto marks the fifth named Atlantic storm of the current hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. This season is anticipated to be particularly intense, with more storms expected to form in the coming months.
The hurricane's path has already left a trail of impacts across the Caribbean. In the previous week, Ernesto made landfall on Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. LUMA Energy, Puerto Rico's main power supplier, reported that over 725,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages due to heavy rainfall.
On August 17, the storm moved on to Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. While the island experienced power outages, fallen trees, and localized flooding, officials have indicated that Bermuda appears to have avoided major damage.
"The center of Ernesto will pass near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday into Tuesday morning, which could bring wind, waves and rain."
It's important to note that Hurricane Ernesto is currently classified as a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from 1 to 5. Category 1 hurricanes typically have sustained winds of 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h), capable of causing significant damage to structures and infrastructure.
As Ernesto continues its northward journey, coastal residents and visitors are urged to stay informed about local weather conditions and heed any warnings or advisories issued by authorities. The presence of dangerous rip currents, which are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water, poses a particular threat to beachgoers and swimmers along affected coastlines.
