Monitoring Category 1 Hurricane Ernesto: NHC’s Thursday, Aug 15 latest advisory

Article first published: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, 5 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, 8 a.m. ET

On Thursday at 8 am, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Category 1 Hurricane Ernesto is 605 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, with maximum sustained wind of 85 mph. It’s moving 13 mph to the north.

"... the center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday." meteorologists observed. "Strengthening is forecast during the next day or two, and Ernesto could become a major hurricane by Friday." They also said "Ernesto is forecast to be a large hurricane near Bermuda on Saturday."

YESTERDAY (Wednesday):

Yesterday, the tropical storm Ernesto upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph.

Forecasters issued a hurricane watch for Bermuda.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

- Bermuda

A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected on Bermuda Saturday, with tropical storm conditions likely beginning Friday afternoon.

STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding on Bermuda in areas of onshore winds. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

RAINFALL: Ernesto is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches in Bermuda with isolated maximum amounts up to 12 inches. This rainfall may result in considerable life-threatening flash flooding.

SURF: Swells generated by Ernesto are affecting portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the southeastern Bahamas. These swells will spread toward Bermuda and the rest of the Bahamas later today. Swells are expected to reach the east coast of the United States tonight and continue into the weekend. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This story was originally published August 14, 2024 at 10:05 AM.