Hurricane Ernesto impacts
Hurricane Ernesto, while making landfall on Bermuda, has generated dangerous conditions for beaches along the U.S. East Coast this weekend. The storm, with its eye still hundreds of miles away from the mainland, has led to rip current and high surf warnings affecting millions.
The National Weather Service has issued high surf advisories for over one million people and rip current statements for nearly 10 million individuals. Rip currents, which pose significant hazards even far from the hurricane’s center, have made swimming dangerous along the coast.
In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the storm’s impact was dramatic. A coastal house collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, captured in a video posted by local fire and rescue crews. Several other homes are at risk due to the storm’s influence. The Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue advised caution, highlighting dangerous ocean conditions due to heightened surf and scattered debris.
Further north, New York City officials closed beaches in Brooklyn and Queens for the weekend, citing hazardous rip currents from Ernesto. New Jersey officials issued similar warnings about life-threatening rip currents along the Jersey Shore, urging the public to stay vigilant and avoid swimming.
As of Saturday morning, Hurricane Ernesto was about 15 miles north-northeast of Bermuda, producing maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The storm is moving north-northeast at 9 mph, expected to continue affecting Bermuda with heavy rains and winds into the evening. The National Hurricane Center forecasted six to nine inches of rainfall, potentially causing life-threatening flash floods on the island.
Earlier in the week, Hurricane Ernesto wreaked havoc in Puerto Rico, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power and running water. The storm’s powerful winds and heavy rains had already caused significant disruption and damage before it moved towards Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast.
Officials across the affected regions have emphasized the importance of safety during this time. Rip currents, often underestimated, can be deadly. Swimmers are advised to heed local warnings and avoid entering the water during these dangerous conditions. The combined threat of high surf and scattered debris in the ocean further exacerbates the risks.
The Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue’s warning, “Ocean conditions will be dangerous for swimming due to surf height and scattered debris now,” underscores the immediate dangers faced by those in coastal areas.
Hurricane Ernesto, although distant from the U.S. mainland, continues to pose significant threats to coastal communities with its high surf and rip currents. The storm’s impact on Bermuda and previous devastation in Puerto Rico highlight its power and the importance of adhering to safety warnings. As Ernesto progresses on its northward path, vigilance and caution remain paramount for all those in affected regions.
What areas are affected by Hurricane Ernesto?
Hurricane Ernesto has impacted Bermuda, causing heavy rains and winds. The storm has also generated dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the U.S. East Coast, affecting areas from North Carolina to New York City and New Jersey.
What warnings have been issued due to Hurricane Ernesto?
High surf advisories and rip current warnings have been issued for millions along the East Coast. Officials have closed beaches and advised the public to avoid swimming due to dangerous conditions.
What damage has Hurricane Ernesto caused so far?
In North Carolina’s Outer Banks, at least one coastal house collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm also left hundreds of thousands without power and running water in Puerto Rico earlier in the week.
What safety measures should be taken during the hurricane?
Officials advise avoiding swimming in the ocean due to dangerous rip currents and high surf. It is important to follow local warnings and stay informed about the storm’s progress and safety recommendations.
How is Bermuda coping with Hurricane Ernesto?
Bermuda is experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, with the potential for life-threatening flash flooding. The island is under a hurricane warning and continues to deal with the storm’s impact.
What is the forecast for Hurricane Ernesto?
Hurricane Ernesto is expected to continue its northward path towards Canada, bringing heavy rains and winds to Bermuda and generating dangerous conditions along the U.S. East Coast.
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