Tropical Storm Ernesto appears to be gaining strength again, as seen in satellite images taken after 1 p.m. ET on August 18, 2024. The storm is moving north-northeast in the Atlantic Ocean, around 800 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland, Canada. USA TODAY
Millions of Americans heading to the beach before schools start have been warned about dangerous conditions due to Hurricane Ernesto. The storm, which intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday, is causing hazardous swells and rip currents along much of the Atlantic coast, posing a serious risk to swimmers.
The National Hurricane Center has issued alerts about "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions" expected to continue for several days. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water if lifeguards issue warnings. The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous rip currents from Maine to Florida.
Hurricane Ernesto, now located 520 miles south of Halifax, Canada, has strengthened with winds reaching 75 mph, just above the threshold for a Category 1 hurricane. The storm is moving north-northeast at 17 mph and is expected to pick up speed and shift east-northeast in the coming days.
The impact of Ernesto has already been severe. At least three fatalities have been linked to the storm. Two men drowned off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on Friday, and a swimmer was found unresponsive in Surf City, North Carolina, on Saturday. Ernesto’s powerful swells and rip currents are also affecting the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada.
Waves at Harrington Sound hit the shore during a brief calm period as Hurricane Ernesto's eye passed over Smith's Parish, Bermuda, on August 17, 2024. USA TODAY
In response to the storm, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation has closed beaches in Queens and Brooklyn. In New Jersey, emergency management officials are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water when lifeguards are not present. Numerous rescues have been reported in recent days, highlighting the danger of the conditions.
The storm has also caused significant issues in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. In Rodanthe, a house was swept into the Atlantic Ocean due to high waves and rip currents, with many other homes at risk of collapse. The local Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue has warned against entering the ocean due to high rip current risks.
Rip currents, narrow and powerful currents that move quickly away from the shore, are particularly dangerous. They can flow at speeds of up to 8 feet per second. If caught in one, experts recommend staying calm, floating, and treading water until help arrives or you can escape.
Aerial footage shows a bridge covered by floodwaters from the La Plata River after Tropical Storm Ernesto struck Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on August 14, 2024. USA TODAY
Bermuda, which initially faced severe threats from Ernesto, was fortunate to experience less damage than expected. The storm arrived as a Category 1 hurricane with winds up to 89 mph, causing power outages and flooding but no major injuries or property damage. Most residents followed safety instructions and stayed indoors during the storm’s peak.
As Hurricane Ernesto continues its path, it marks the fifth named storm and third hurricane of a highly active season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The season is expected to bring 17-24 named storms and 8-13 hurricanes, with 4 to 7 potentially reaching major hurricane status. The current season is projected to be more active than usual, driven by unusually warm Atlantic waters.
