After battering Puerto Rico with torrential rain , Hurricane Ernesto is now heading toward Bermuda.
Ernesto strengthened overnight into Thursday, with winds at 85 mph. It's expected to rapidly intensify over open water and become a major hurricane by Friday before the center passes over or near Bermuda on Saturday, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center .
A major hurricane is one with sustained winds of at least 111 mph, making it a Category 3 storm or higher.
The hurricane is located east of southern tip of Florida and is expected to remain well offshore as it moves north.
That doesn't mean Florida or the eastern coast of the U.S. won't feel any impacts from Ernesto.
Swells generated by the hurricane are expected to reach Volusia and Flagler counties late this week and into the weekend. Beachgoers can expect a " significant risk of life-threatening surf and rip currents ," according to the Hurricane Center.
Here’s a look at the potential impact to Volusia-Flagler, based on the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Melbourne :
What impact could Ernesto have on Volusia and Flagler counties?
At 5 a.m. Thursday, the center of Hurricane Ernesto was located near latitude 23.9 North, longitude 69.1 West. Ernesto is moving toward the north near 13 mph.
This general motion is expected to continue today, followed by a slower northeastward or northward motion on Friday and Saturday. On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Ernesto is expected to stay well east of Florida.
Due to increasing swells from the storm, boating conditions are expected to become poor to hazardous by late Thursday, according to a NWS hazardous weather outlook .
Small craft should exercise caution over the offshore waters north of Sebastian Inlet for breezy northeast winds and increasing seas up to 6 feet.
A Small Craft Advisory then goes into effect offshore overnight Thursday due to increasing swells from the distant storm that will build seas up to 7 feet, the advisory states.
Poor to hazardous boating conditions will continue across the waters into Friday due to increasing long period swells from distant Hurricane Ernesto. Seas will build up to 6 to 8 feet, with a Small Craft Advisory continuing offshore through early Friday night.
These long period swells will also lead to rough surf and a high risk for rip currents at Volusia-Flagler beaches Friday and into the weekend. Entering the hazardous surf is strongly discouraged, the advisory states.
Watches, warnings issued across Florida
No watches or warning connected to Hurricane Ernesto have been issued for Florida.
A hurricane warning has been issued for:
A hurricane warning means 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.
Spaghetti models for Hurricane Ernesto
Will extreme heat and thunderstorms continue in Volusia-Flagler?
Afternoon highs will be closer to normal on Thursday, in the upper 80s to low 90s across the area, according to the NWS.
Even so, lingering humidity will produce peak heat index values between 101 and 106 degrees. Those spending time outside are urged to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks out of the sun, preferably in an air-conditioned building.
Looking ahead, a drier air mass builds into the area from late week through this weekend, which will bring some relief from the heat and will also reduce storm chances across the area through Sunday, the NWS states.
Daytona weather radar
Here’s the extended forecast for Daytona Beach
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86 and nighttime low near 74. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87 and nighttime low around 73.
Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 76.
Monday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 93 and nighttime low around 76.
Tuesday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 75.
Wednesday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.
Here’s the extended forecast for Palm Coast
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 86 and nighttime low around 73. Northeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87 and nighttime low around 73.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 76. A 20% chance of nighttime showers.
Monday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92 and nighttime low around 76. A 30% chance of nighttime showers.
Tuesday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91 and nighttime low around 76.
Wednesday: A 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: National Hurricane Center: Ernesto to become major hurricane. See Volusia-Flagler impacts
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