This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Ernesto on August 19, 2024. (NOAA)
Newfoundland is set to experience a lucky break as Hurricane Ernesto is expected to pass to the south of the island. Despite this fortunate shift, the storm will still impact the area with heavy rain and rough seas overnight on Monday. Environment Canada has issued a tropical cyclone information statement for the eastern part of Newfoundland, including St. John's, warning of significant weather conditions.
David Neil, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, stated that while Newfoundland will avoid the worst of Ernesto’s effects, residents should be cautious. The storm is predicted to transition into a post-tropical storm as it moves past the Avalon Peninsula later in the day. Neil advised that people stay off the roads and avoid the coast due to the potential for up to 70 millimetres of rain and dangerously high waves.
Ernesto made landfall in Bermuda on Saturday, causing power outages for over 23,000 people. The storm weakened to a tropical storm but strengthened again into a hurricane by Sunday. Concerns had been high that Ernesto might hit Newfoundland and Labrador directly, but by Monday morning, it was clear that the storm would veer south of the island. Despite this, the Canadian Hurricane Centre is closely monitoring its path.
The rainfall warning covers parts of the eastern Avalon Peninsula, including St. John's. Rain is expected to start later on Monday, with between 50 and 70 millimetres anticipated over three to six hours. The storm will also bring high winds, resulting in large waves and possible coastal flooding, especially from the Burin Peninsula to the Avalon Peninsula.
Neil urged people to avoid the coast, noting that large waves during storms can be unpredictable and dangerous. "I know people like to go see the big waves with these storms. It is quite dangerous," Neil said. The dangerous conditions are expected to clear up by early Tuesday.
Additionally, the storm's large swells have affected Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast on Monday. Although Newfoundland is avoiding the worst of Ernesto, the heavy rain and rough seas will still make for a challenging night.
