Hurricane Ernesto, which strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane on Thursday, Aug. 15, is over 800 miles off the shore of Florida. However, warnings have already been issued of strong rip currents and dangerous surf along the Atlantic Coast.
The hazards will begin Friday and continue through the weekend as the hurricane moves north.
“We are expecting strong rip currents and dangerous surf at our beaches starting tomorrow,” said the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina. “Best to stay out of the ocean Friday through Sunday (at least).”
The NWS issued a high rip current risk warning for the area for 6 a.m. ET through 6 p.m. ET Friday and a high surf warning for 2 p.m. ET through 11 a.m. ET Saturday. Rip current risk for Friday remains high in Miami , Jacksonville and Charleston . According to meteorologists, other coastal impacts may include ocean over wash, erosion and a generally higher than normal water level.
According to the NOAA's report, the center of Hurricane Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next day, with Bermuda predicted to be a large hurricane on Saturday, maintaining hurricane strength through the weekend.
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What is a rip current?
The NOAA defines rip currents as "powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water." These dangerous currents move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second and kill an estimated 100 people yearly in the U.S.
Another page from the NOAA describes how to escape a rip current without drowning. First and foremost, many swimmers drown in rip currents when they panic and try to swim against the current. Staying calm and floating instead will prevent you from getting worn out. It is a misconception that rip currents will pull you under the water - they can only pull you away from the shore.
If you're a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore until you've cleared the pull of the current. Ideally, wave and yell to get the attention of lifeguards and people on shore.
Are rip tides and rip currents the same thing?
The NOAA said that, while the two terms are often confused, rip currents are different than rip tides. Rip tides are currents associated with fast-moving tidal water through inlets and the mouths of estuaries, embayments and harbors.
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Hurricane Ernesto path tracker
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Hurricane Ernesto in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
So far, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have seen the brunt of Ernesto's inclement weather effects, causing infrastructure damage and mudslides on the islands. USA TODAY reporting showed that the hurricane left as many as 730,000 people on Puerto Rico without power during at least a portion of Wednesday.
Parts of Puerto Rico saw over 9 inches of rain in 24 hours as of Wednesday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Two of the three U.S. Virgin Islands – St. John and St. Croix – were completely in the dark Wednesday and six cell towers were knocked offline, according to territory officials .
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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Planning a beach trip this weekend? Best to stay out of the water: Hurricane Ernesto effects
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